Arlene L. Mueller

1938-2026

Arlene L. Mueller, age 87, of Catawba, passed away on Friday, Jan.9, 2026, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. Arlene was born on Aug. 19, 1938, in Ogema, to the late Ronald and Anna (Tesch) Andree. She was married to Richard G. Mueller on June 10, 1967; he preceded her in death. Arlene was a 1956 graduate of the Westboro High School. Following high school, she attended Taylor County Normal School and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in teaching. Her lifelong dedication to education led her to teach at Greenwood School and later Rib Lake School.

After marriage, Arlene and Richard moved to the Milwaukee area where she taught for many years at the Whitnall School District in Greenfield, until her retirement. In later years, after moving to Catawba, she continued to work as a substitute teacher. In addition to her classroom work, Arlene taught Sunday School for many years.

Arlene had a profound love for the outdoors and wildlife. She took great joy in caring for the animals around her home, faithfully feeding deer and birds and hosting hundreds of hummingbirds in her yard. In her younger years, she was an active member of 4-H where she showed cattle at fairs, Jersey cows always holding a special place in her heart. An avid hunter, Arlene remained active well into her later years continuing to hunt until the age of 86. Remarkably, she filled her deer tag at age 85.

Survivors include her sisters, Barbara Schatz and Donna Ellenbecker. She is further survived by several nieces and nephews; and her special neighbors, Mark and Janine Smugala and their dog, Dudley, whom she was especially close with.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Anna; her husband, Richard; her brothers-inlaw, Bernard Schatz and Glenn Ellenbecker; and her niece, Sue Snyder.

Funeral services for Arlene Mueller will be held on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Generations Funeral Home in Tomahawk, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Ogema in the spring.

Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Arlene’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.

Paid Obituary 178968