John Michael Muller passed away on January 12, 2023, in his home at the age of 78. John was born on November 16 ,1944, the oldest child of Cathernne (nee Kirschner) and Joseph P. Muller. He would later be joined by two sisters and a brother. He spent his childhood in South St. Louis, attending Holy Family Grade School and graduating from Bishop DuBourg High School in 1962. He attended Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri University School of Mines and Metallurgy until 1964, then University of Missouri at Rolla) and graduated in 1967.
John’s first job following graduation was with Hussmann Refrigeration, where he worked on the design and application of refrigerated containers. It was during this period that John received his Professional Engineers license. In 1976, he began his career with Schnucks Markets as Director of Maintenance. During his tenure at Schnucks, the company doubled in size, becoming the powerhouse grocery retailer of the St. Louis area. He retired as Director of Facilities Maintenance in 2007. John took pride in the team he built at Schnucks.
For a number of years following retirement, he managed the Sitting Ducks Duck Club in West Alton. He also was a member of the Building Committee at St. Peter Church in Kirkwood. He volunteered at Wings of Hope for several years, following in the footsteps of his dad. John was a member of Rock Steady Boxing of St. Louis and enjoyed the many friends he met, as well as the workouts.
Family and extended family were always paramount in John’s life. He was the oldest of 15 maternal cousins and three paternal cousins and, in his youth, the family gathered often for family outings and special occasions. John married Nancy in 1969 and moved into their house in Kirkwood in 1972, where he lived until his passing. John and Nancy’s children and grandchildren brought him great joy.
John was a proud Eagle Scout. He was gratified that his brother, sons and grandson followed in his footsteps and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also an avid bird hunter, pigeon racer, weekend farmer, welder, history scholar, fixer of nearly anything and lover of British television. He was a quiet, intelligent, observant, and commanding man who left an impression on every person he met. A fiercely loyal friend, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle and cousin, he is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy (nee Hrdlicka), his children Laura (Scott) Goddard, Joe (Erin) Muller and Mike (Beth) Muller, as well as three grandsons–Houston and Dylan Goddard and Ian Muller. He will also be missed by his sister Joan (Bob) Schmitt, Carol Jacobi, and brother Tom (Linda) Muller, and his brother-in-law Ken (Raeleen) Hrdlicka.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 29, from 4-8 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road in Affton, Missouri. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 30, at St. Peter Church, 243 West Argonne in Kirkwood, followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Park, 10180 Gravois Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rock Steady Boxing of St. Louis (Rock Steady Boxing STL-Fenton, 908 Claymark Drive, St. Louis MO 63131), Wings of Hope (wingsofhope.ngo), or a charity of your choosing.