On Saturday, November 2, 2019, Kermit John Mueller, a loving husband and father of seven children, passed away at home surrounded by family. He was 91 years old.
Kermit was born in Laurin, Montana on May 19, 1928, the third child of John Nicolas Mueller and Estella Moisan. He attended elementary school in Laurin and graduated from Sheridan High School in the Ruby Valley in 1946.
As a young boy, Kermit was outgoing and mischievous but also very devoted to his mother, father, and siblings, Laurin and Cecilia. He was an active member of the local Catholic parish and maintained a strong faith his entire life.
Following high school, he joined the United States Navy under the “Call to Service” program offered after World War II. He served in San Diego and Port Hueneme in California and Guam from 1946 to 1948. Following his honorable discharge, he studied engineering while attending Carroll College and the University of California at Los Angeles. After a few years, he realized he was more suited to the variety and diversity of a skilled trade.
He returned to Montana and became a sheet metal worker for Helena Sheet Metal which was owned by a relative, Barney Pollack. In working alongside other building tradespeople, Kermit developed a passion to create something that would be long-lasting and enhance the quality of life for many people. That passion led him to establish American Building Company in 1961. He remained actively involved in the daily operations of the business up to his time of passing.
His first commercial building in 1962 was Gertie’s Drive Inn built for Ralph Hahn on Last Chance Gulch. Kermit’s company also built The House of Wong’s restaurant on North Montana Avenue after the closure of the original location on Main Street. He continued to build multiple commercial and residential buildings throughout Helena and particularly enjoyed designing buildings and commercial development projects. In the most recent years, he focused his energy on affordable housing throughout Montana and in Sedona, Arizona.
On December 26, 1949, Kermit married the former Betty Jean Raue and enjoyed love and laughter together for almost 70 years with their seven children and extended families. Kermit had an incredible work ethic, sense of humor and zest for life. He often spoke of his family with much pride and taught them through example to treat people with kindness, work hard and show compassion to others.
Kermit enjoyed hiking in the mountains, skiing, golfing, flower-gardening and landscaping the area around his beautiful home. He had a keen sense of adventure and was always ready to get “On the Road Again” in his motor home. He also loved all animals and had many dogs throughout his life. He could frequently be found filling bird and hummingbird feeders or walking his Scottish Terrier Molly Jean through the South Hills of Helena.
He touched the lives of many in the Helena and surrounding communities through his participation in civic and religious organizations including President and Secretary of the Sheet Metal Workers Union; President of the Builders Association; President of the Lions Club; President of the Helena Chamber of Commerce; Secretary of the Montana Affordable Land Development Association; member of the Helena Building Industry Association (HBIA); National Association of Home Builders and Council Members of Rural Rental Housing. He was a member of St. Mary’s Parish and the Cathedral of St. Helena. He was also proud of his membership in the Knights of Columbus.
Kermit was preceded in death by his oldest daughter Linda (Dean) Bjerke; his parents John and Estella Mueller, brother Laurin Mueller and sister Cecilia Solich.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 70 years Betty Jean Raue Mueller and faithful furry friend Scottish Terrier Molly Jean; six surviving children – Karen (Patrick)Racicot; Donna(John) Davidson; Elaine (Amancio) Cantu; Mark (Diane) Mueller; John Mueller and Joe (Eileen) Mueller; Twenty-one grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
If you wish to donate to a charity in Kermit’s honor, please consider The Lewis and Clark Humane Society or Hospice of St. Peters Hospital.
The family will receive friends celebrating Kermit’s life from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St, at 12 noon on Thursday, November 7th. Interment of cremains will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. Please join the family and friends at a reception at Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home following the graveside service from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 6, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday November 7, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the Mass
Thursday November 7, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
2;00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday November 7, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 6, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday November 7, 2019
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the Mass
Thursday November 7, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
2;00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday November 7, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Dudley Williams says
Condolences to the Mueller family. Sorry to see Kermit has passed away.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
Mueller Family,
We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers…
John and Mary Lohmann says
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Kermit will live on in the memories of those who loved him. May God grant him peace.
Maureen LaChere says
Kermit was always kind. Many fond memories of him @ Flesher Acres. Just thinking of him makes me smile.
John Laurin Mueller says
I will miss Uncle Kermit his happy smile and all the good stories about his family growing up.
Debbie (Reinig) Morrison says
Dear Mueller Family:
My sincerest condolences on Kermit’s passing. What a wonderful, kind man! His smile warmed you throughout. I hope that your memories of him will help you smile a little. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeff and Melissa Sherlock says
Back in the old days, I worked for the City of Helena and was involved in reviewing some development projects. Some developers could be difficult to deal with, but Kermit was always a kind and gracious man, even when we disagreed. He was a great guy, peace to his family.
Martha Manibusan says
Condolences to Mark, Diane and the Mueller Family. May his soul Rest In Peace. Prayers from the Island of Guam.
Dee & Scott Mostad says
Our sincere condolences to all the family. Kermit was always a caring kind man whom we have enjoyed knowing and working for. We loved how his face would just lite up when he smiled. We will carry that memory with us for a very long time. Wonderful man. Rest In Peace Kermit u will be missed. ❤️
Lynell Langston says
Dear Mueller Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. Kermit was kind caring man, who I will miss. RIP Kermit Mueller.
Cyndi & Neill Morrison says
Dear Mueller Family,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
May the memories of your fathers life provide you with the comfort you need during this challenging time.
Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Joyce Currier says
I beautiful testimony if a life well-lived. Wishing you beautiful memories. Joyce Currier
Margaret L Woo says
I was very sad to hear the news of Kermit’s passing. He was such an energetic, kind and joyful man. I will always remember his smile. He was part of an era of movers and shakers that built so much of this community. Condolences to the Mueller family.
Rick O'Connell says
Mueller family. Talk about a long and industrious life. Kermit will be missed by the countless people that he touched. His gentle demeanor and winning smile always brightened a day. Our thoughts go out to you.
Rick and Jan
Cheryl Davidson McElroy says
My deepest condolences to Jean, Donna and all of the Mueller family. I know Kermit will be deeply missed…but rejoice in memories you have!!
Debbie Reber Carter says
Dear Jean and Mueller family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Kermit, our family grew up with yours at St. Helena’s and my mom and dad, Velma and Paul were friends. Although my dad has been gone for 34 years, my mom is still with us and would want you to know that she holds a special place in her heart for your family. You all are in my prayers, may Kermit Rest In Peace. Hugs!
Susan Syskowski Henkel says
I remember “Mr. Mueller” taking us (Linda and friends) on an overnighter to the cabin and we were all so impressed that a dad would do that – and cook too! You will find peace with the good warm memories.
Diana Graber-Tavary says
Lots of great memories at your home with your parents. That was way back in the old days of 1969-1971, lol
Art & Linda Compton says
Kermit has been significant in our lives as we lived for many years in one of the houses he built on Winne Street. We built our next home and lived right beside him at the top of Mueller Court. He was always the most thoughtful and generous neighbor and our lives overlapped quite often in our shared driveway. He will be missed and the memories of him savored. Our deepest condolences to the family, Jean and little Molly Jean, Joe, and Eileen, and their kids.
Shirley Nordstrom McKnight says
Elaine and Jean and all the family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad/husband. This is a big loss for all of you. Sending my sincere thoughts and prayers.
Julie Larson Miller says
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Kermit. His smile, warmth and genuine concern were always evident when I visited Linda. May your warm memories fill you until you meet again.
Beverly M. Pickett says
My deepest sympathy to the Mueller family. I first met Kermit almost 21 years ago when I moved into the East Park Villa. Kermit and John Schmidt assisted in moving my belongings into my apartment. I was made me feel right at home from the beginning. Kermit was always a gentleman, had a nice smile and listened to what you had to say. He will be missed.
Terri Baker says
So very sorry to hear of Kermit’s passing. My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Mueller family.
Loree Steckler says
Karen and all the Mueller family, my heartfelt condolences, your father was a wonderful man.
Tim and Connie Ferriter says
Karen, Donna and family, we are very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless
Bob Schneider says
Kermit, read of your passing and am so sorry that you’re not with us, here on Earth! You were always a good friend and classmate. You will be missed by many, inc myself! I will say prayers for you and will look forward to seeing one day in Heaven!
Bob
Julie Markfield says
Dear John,
So very sorry to read about your fathers passing in 2019. Sending love, Julie and Greg