Obituary of George Mueller
In Lieu of Flowers, Donations May Be Made To:
The American Stroke Association
George Mueller was known as Opa to us all. That is German for Grandfather. He passed away peacefully this past Tuesday, 12-November, at Sunrise Senior Living in Dix Hills at the age of 88. Opa was born in Wurzburg, Germany in 1931 to Otto and Kathe Mueller. He was the youngest of 3 children, having an older sister (Margot) and brother (Otto). During his youth, Opa enjoyed playing soccer and was also an altar boy. Things were difficult for Opa and his family during the war. His father died and his beloved hometown was almost completely destroyed. In 1945, at the age of 14 he became an apprentice at his uncle's workshop and learned the trade of carpentry. He helped with restoration activities as Germany tried to recover after the war.
In 1952, at the age of 21, he emigrated to the United States to make a new start. He joined the US Army and was stationed in Korea from 1953 till 1955 when he was honorably discharged. Soon after, he met his love Hildegarde Matzelle (Oma) in Ridgewood, Queens. They married on November 24, 1956 and were married 42 years. During those years, Opa and Oma raised 2 boys, George and Alfred (Fred). Opa worked at several jobs including Eastern Cabinet and VHB Refrigeration; but his most prominent job was working for Bohack, a popular supermarket chain in the NY area. There he elevated himself to building/construction supervisor and represented his work colleagues as a union rep. He was responsible for the planning and launching of several Bohack Village stores throughout Long Island of which he was very proud.
In 1985, on his 54th birthday, Opa suffered a massive stroke which left him paralyzed on both sides of his body. Through hard work, rehabilitation efforts and constant support from Oma, Opa managed to regain enough strength to be able to walk with assistance. Oma was always at his side and kept after him on his exercises. Unfortunately, Oma passed away far too young in 1999 at the age of 64. A piece of Opa’s heart left him that day as well.
After Oma passed, Opa resided in NJ, living with Fred and Terri until his health needs required him to take residency in Assisted Living on Long Island in 2013. Most recently, Opa resided at Sunrise Senior Living in Dix Hills.
Opa was extremely proud of his family which included his sons George and Fred. Fred married Terri Jaklitsch and they had 2 sons: Eric and Steven. George married Irene Christ and they had 2 daughters: Kirsten and Brittany. All 4 grandchildren graduated college and have embarked on successful careers; Opa always emphasized hard work, dedication and a good education.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving children: George & wife Irene, and Fred & wife Terri. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Eric and his wife Crystina, Steven, Kirsten and Brittany. Opa is also survived by his great-granddaughters Brielle and Maya, children of Eric and Crystina. Baby Maya was born 14-November.
Opa showed incredible perseverance over the 34 years since his stroke. He struggled every day with many daily tasks that we all take for granted. He was a proud man and valued his independence, always trying to avoid being dependent on others for assistance. We admired him so much and he will be sorely missed.
We love you Opa and hope being reunited with Oma is bringing you great joy!