Everett (Ev) Mueller, 91, of Rochester, MN (formally of Winona, MN) was called to his eternal home on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Ev was born June 29, 1927 in Hillsdale Township, Winona County, MN to Walter and Gertrude (Stellwagen) Mueller. He married Marion Joyce Colstrup on June 9, 1950.

He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1945. As a seventeen year old high school graduate, he enlisted in the US Navy. He completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station and was sent overseas to Guam where he was assigned to the USS Ukiah (PC-1251) submarine chaser class.

Upon discharge from the service in 1946, he enrolled at Winona State Teachers College, graduating in 1950 with a BS degree in Education, majoring in History, Physical Education and Elementary. He began his teaching career in Winona, MN at Madison School. After four years, he accepted his first administrative assignment at Winnebago, MN, eventually moving to Luverne, MN where he was Principal of a large, newly consolidated elementary school for eleven years. The family returned to Winona in 1967, serving as Associate Superintendent for ISD #861 until his retirement in 1989. During his thirty-nine years in Public Education, Ev was known for his expertise in school district consolidation. He was recognized by the Bush Foundation for his classroom teaching innovations.

Ev was a four year college letterman on championship baseball teams posting a notable pitching record. For many years he was an active area baseball player and league bowler. He learned to play golf after he hung up his spikes and recorded two hole-in-ones! Ev was a charter member in the Kiwanis Sunrisers Club in Winona and was active in his church and many organizations within the community. Ev had a strong faith and taught Sunday School and Bible studies his entire life.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marion. Their marriage was blessed with six children; sons, Gary (Suzanne), John, Randy (Linda), Charles (Gail), Paul (Nancy); daughter, Marybeth Gardner (John); eighteen grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Lorraine Korn.

Memorials are preferred to #861 Foundation or Winona County Historical Society. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the medical and care staff at Homestead, Seasons Hospice, and the Mayo Clinic for the exceptional care shown to Ev and Marion during the last year.

The funeral service for Everett Mueller will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN with Pastor Adam Koglin officiating, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2018.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.