Robert Muellerleile

Robert M. Muellerleile, age 80, of Mankato, died Friday, April 23, 2004 at the VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato with Rev. Richard Colletti and Rev. Francis Kunz officiating. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Mankato Mortuary and one hour prior to services at the church.

Robert was born on June 6, 1923 in Mankato, to Edward H. and Mary A. (Olinger) Muellerleile. He lived in and around the Mankato area his entire life. On April 10, 1944, he married his beloved Anna Marie Mattson in Fresno, CA. During WWII, he served his country in China, Burma and India with the Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force Association, Inc. Upon his return, he continued his love of the art of neon glass blowing with a local company. He then established his own business, M&M Sign Company which he operated until 1975. He continued creating signs for the new owner for several additional years. His love of the glass blowing made it possible for him to state that he never felt he worked a day in his life.

He was a current member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and former member of SS. Peter and Pauls Catholic Church, working to establish and then assist in operating the parish campgrounds at Lake Washington. He belonged to many local service organizations including the VFW Post 9713, the American Legion, Eagles, and Moose Lodge 1414. He served on the Security State Bank Board of Directors for many years. He was a member of the Mankato Area Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber Ambassadors.

His hobbies included fishing, first and foremost, especially, in recent years, with his good friend Bob Blace; lapidary work of any kind and in years past, many hunting trips with close friends. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who always took the time to listen. His love for his family and cherished friends took precedence over everything.

Robert is survived by six children and their spouses, Craig and Cathy Muellerleile of Summerfield, FL, Susan and Larry Berberich of Brunswick, ME, Martha and Larry Stuve of Circle Pines, MN, Robin and Mark Tupper of Lisbon, ME, Cindy and Thomas Ryan of Mankato, MN, Christine and Kurt Hoffman of Park Rapids, MN; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Phil and wife, Isabel of Witter Springs, CA, Dennis and wife, Mary of Muskegon, MI, Clem and wife, Margie of Mount Pleasant, PA, Herb and companion, Beth of Fremont, CA; sister, Millie and husband, Rollie Krautkremer of Yuma, AZ; two sisters-in-law Evelyn Muellerleile of Elysian, MN, Grace and husband, Dean Carpenter of Mankato; brother-in-law, Bruce and wife, Lou Mattson of Washington State; nieces and nephews. He leaves many enjoyable memories for all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his wife in February of 2003; one brother, Aloysius; and two sisters, Lucille and Bernice.