John Mueller

John Mueller peacefully passed away on July 1st, 2026, at his home in Sunsites, Arizona surrounded by his family at the age of 75. John was born in Tucson, Arizona on July 18, 1950, to Ferdinand and Inez (Marshall) Mueller. He spent his early life in the Tucson area, often going to Alpine Arizona to enjoy fishing with his family. His family also lived and worked in the Fort Grant area in his early life, he met his wife there and had many adventures with his brother Tom. John graduated from Safford High School. Shortly after he married the love of his life Bertha in 1970. He then enlisted in the United States Navy during Vietnam War where he spent 20 years serving his country traveling to many different countries and cities like Hawaii, Japan, Australia, San Diego, and New Zealand. At his retirement John held the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. John was a proud Vietnam veteran and proudly talked about his military service. After his retirement from the Navy, John moved back to the southern Arizona area. He went on to attend Cochise College and graduated with his associate’s degree in nursing. He preceded to spend another 20 years working as an accomplished nurse proudly serving his Cochise County community as a ER nurse at NCCH and Benson Hospital. In 2019, John received a second chance at life with a double lung transplant. Following this, he devoted himself to helping others. He was renowned for always being a helping hand to his family and neighbors in the community, whether it was mowing grass, building, or doing tractor work for anyone in need. He also had a passion for fishing often spending summers on the Black River in Alpine Arizona with his family. He also had the opportunity to fish in the Bay of Green Bay WI, and Lake Michigan with his daughter catching walleye and salmon. His love of fishing has been passed down to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews who learned how to fish from him. John is survived by his wife of over 50 years Bertha Mueller, his sons Frank Mueller and Tim Mueller, his daughters Terri Mueller and Samantha (Nathan) Moore. His great granddaughter Eliza Moore, close friend Paul Hessler and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ferdinand and Inez (Marshall) Mueller, brother Thomas Mueller, sisters Mary Crawford, LucyAnn Bilbro, his son Christopher Mueller, his in-laws Howard and Sarah (Sanchez) Adams, and great grandson George Moore. John will always be remembered as a selfless individual who was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a true friend to everyone. He will be deeply missed and cherished forever. The Mueller family would like to thank the transplant team at Banner Hospital for their support throughout the following John’s transplant surgery and Charles W Leighton Jr. Hospice for their support during the last days of John’s life. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Military honors will be rendered at the time John will be laid to rest at the Southern Arizona Veterans Cemetery in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

John Mueller

July 18, 1950 - July 1, 2026