Clay Mueller passed away peacefully at the Grand Traverse Pavilions on October 5th at the age of 83, with his loving wife of 57 years - Mary Jo - at his bedside.
Clay was born on August 5th 1933 in Rushville, Indiana and baptized at St. Mary's Church. Clay received his first Holy Communion and confirmation on September 29th 1940. He grew up on an 80-acre farm in rural, southern Indiana. After attending St. Mary's Elementary and graduating from Rushville High School in 1951, it was Clay's time to take over the family farm. That path, though, was altered when Clay's father unexpectedly sold the farm.
Clay forged a new path, joining the Army in 1952 as a paratrooper, eventually obtaining a rank of Captain. Clay then attended Purdue University, graduating in 1960 with an Industrial Economics degree. Clay loved Purdue and took any opportunity in life to fly a "black & gold" flag, particularly in the middle of Spartan Stadium.
Clay's attraction to Purdue may also be related to his attraction to Mary Jo, who he met in 1957. After dating a couple of years, Clay married Mary Jo Wellinski on August 22nd 1959 in LaPorte, IN. Thus began a sacramental marriage that lasted for 57 years, filled with children, love, adventure, and laughter.
Clay and Mary Jo left the comfort of Indiana in 1960 to venture to Lansing, Michigan. Thus began a 30-year career with General Motors in its Oldsmobile division. Clay's last assignment was plant superintendent of the Buick Reatta Craft Centre. Clay was highly regarded as a fair leader during these exciting years of automobile manufacturing.
Clay was passionate about his family. He loved his wife, his three sons, and his grandchildren. Particularly in his retirement, Clay spent some memorable times with his family on Elk Lake. Clay's infectious smile and laugh was certainly present when he was fishing with the grandchildren.
Clay was passionate about life. His range of activities included fishing, golf, hunting, bowling, travel, speaking (thru the GM Speaker's Bureau), building houses (thru the Antrim County Habitat for Humanity), donating blood, Boy Scouts, gin rummy, and dancing. Clay's roots as a farmer were expressed in the form of large gardens he maintained. If you were to stop by the Mueller house on most evenings, you would be tempted by the smell of Clay's famous popcorn.
Clay's Catholic faith was a core part of his earthly journey. The Mass was an important aspect of his life. Clay was an active parishioner at St. Gerard (Lansing, MI), St. Casimir (Lansing, MI), and Sacred Heart (Elk Rapids, MI). He served the Church as the inaugural St. Gerard Festival Chair, lector, extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, pastoral and finance council member, and diocesan pastoral council member.
Clay is survived by his wife, Mary Jo of Traverse City, MI, and his children Mark (Diane) Mueller of Canton, MI; Mike (Molly) Mueller of Rochester Hills, MI; and Wayne (Heidi) of Traverse City, MI; his grandchildren Brad, Paul, Ben, Owen, Jack, Josh and Lauren; his brother, Frederick.
Clay was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Irene (Schuman) Mueller; his siblings Dorothy (Sr. Michaela), Charles, Margaret Mary, Sylvester, Anne Marie, and Eileen; his grandchildren Katie and Eli.
Visitation will take place at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm on October 9th, including a vigil service at 6:00 pm
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, October 10th, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Traverse City.
Following the Mass, burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and for those that wish to express their condolences, please consider a memorial contribution to the St. Francis High School Scholarship Fund. Clay cared deeply about Catholic schools and supporting those who are less fortunate.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with The Mueller Family.