February 25, 1935 - January 07, 2023
R. Joris Mueller, DVM It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Robert Joris Mueller (Jerry) passed away on January 7, 2023, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke, with his wife and daughter by his side. He is with his Creator now. Jerry was born on February 25, 1935, in Seattle, WA, and was adopted as an infant by his parents, Donald and Flora (MacDonald) Mueller of Fairbanks, AK. He spent his early childhood years in Alaska. It was during this time that his grandfather was promoting and mapping alternative routes to Alaska and later became known as “Father of the Alaska Highway". Spending a good deal of time at his grandparents' home left him with a strong connection to Alaska and its pioneer spirit. The family moved to California where Jerry attended high school at Midland School, in Los Olivos. The unique school experience helped shape his lifetime values of distinguishing between needs and wants, taking care of the environment and giving service to the community. He continued his education at Washington State College where he met Marilynne Sowers. After he graduated in 1956 with a degree in Agriculture, they were married. He then served 2 years in the Army, stationed at Ft Jackson, SC, where his son, Michael, was born. Jerry applied to WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and returned to Pullman for 4 years where his daughter, Lorelei, was born, and he graduated in 1963 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He started his veterinary career in Ontario, CA. But 3 years later being concerned for the health of their young children he said goodbye to the smog so very prevalent at that time and moved up to Spokane where he worked as a Federal Meat Inspector. In 1971 he started the first small animal veterinary house call practice in Spokane, Mobile Veterinary Clinic, and was known for his loving and compassionate care for animals and their owners. When Marilynne, who was his partner in the business, had health issues, they decided to retire in 1995. Some activities that he enjoyed with his family and friends included camping, boating, fishing, flying, singing, dancing, and cooking. He was also active with his church, and various groups including Scouts, Simplicity Group, Creating the Future, Wise Elder Program, EcoBuilders Guild, Peace & Justice Action League of Spokane, Veterans for Peace, and was on the Washington State Building Codes Council 2007-2013. Jerry had a wonderful knowledge and ability to be able to build things. He helped build a cabin when he was young and later built his own lake cabin. He converted a navy utility boat into a houseboat to use on the inland and coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. After retiring, Jerry and Marilynne started their next adventure, building an eco-friendly earth sheltered home in Rockford, WA. His dream was to be an advocate for energy conservation, and a promoter of environmental responsibility and social interdependence. Tours were often provided of the house in order to fulfill this dream. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and his son Michael. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Marilynne, daughter Lorelei (Corey) Sater, daughter-in-law Gail Mueller, grandchildren Natalie and Craig Sater, great granddaughter Alyson Henderson, brother Ernie Mueller, sister Gretchen Ray, and nieces and nephews. We are so grateful to our family, friends and all at Sacred Heart Hospital that helped us through the last few days of his life. Jerry will be deeply missed, always loved and never forgotten…always in our hearts! A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 1:30 pm at the Good Samaritan Community Center, 17028 E. 8th Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99016. Extra parking is available in the Event Parking areas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Jerry to an animal care shelter of your choice, Spokane Veterans for Peace Chapter 35 or the Peace & Justice Action League of Spokane.
Comments