May Myrtle Mueller

May Myrtle Mueller, age 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Albert Lea on May 27, 2026.

May was born at home in Jump River, Wisconsin, on December 11, 1931, to Orvel and Gertrude (Cummings) Hamilton. Her mother passed away just hours after she was born, and May was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Charles and Hilda Hamilton, on a small homestead farm near Jump River.

Growing up, May lived a simple and hardworking life without electricity, traveling by horse and wagon. She attended school in Jump River and graduated as valedictorian from Hannibal High School. She later moved to Minnesota in search of opportunity, where she found both a job and the love of her life, Lloyd.

May met Lloyd in 1951, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. They purchased their first and only home 70 years ago and shared many adventures together, traveling to all 50 states.

May enjoyed sewing, canning, couponing, sweepstakes, and organizing large multi-family rummage sales twice each year. She especially loved gathering with family and friends and creating a warm and welcoming home for those around her. There was always room at the table for one more and always a place to stay for a visit, shelter from a storm, or even for months at a time. She created beautiful and whimsical birthday cakes, including a birthday cake for Jesus every Christmas. She faithfully sent encouragement, birthday and anniversary cards to friends and family as well as an Irish blessing for St. Patrick’s Day. She was a life-long passionate gardener and gave out calendars featuring her gorgeous flowers.

Her faith was an important part of her life. She helped establish four churches, taught Sunday School, and led Bible studies throughout the years. Her heart's desire was that her whole family would accept Jesus as their Savior and spend eternity together.

She is survived by her son, Franklin (Mary) Mueller; her daughter, Lucinda (Randy) Stroetz; daughter-in-law Katherine McGrath, 14 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; her son, Leonard Mueller; three great-grandchildren; half-sister, Marcella Joel and half-brother; Charles Hamilton.

May will be remembered for her strength, kindness, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy of love, perseverance, and generosity will live on through the many generations she cherished so dearly. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00PM, on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Bridge Community Church in Albert Lea, with a visitation beginning at 11:00AM. Burial will be held at Geneva Cemetery.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services.

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