David Paul Mueller, 88, of De Soto died April 29, 2026, at Hillcrest Care Center in De Soto. Mr. Mueller often reminisced about growing up on his grandparents’ farm and had a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and a skilled gardener. He enjoyed birdwatching, whether in the many feeders just outside his window or searching for eagles along the Mississippi River. He founded Mueller Motors along with his father and brother, Jerry. With his wife, they grew the business into one of the area’s leading providers of small engine and automotive repairs, as well as winning recognition as a distributor of Wheel Horse tractors. Strong in his faith, he was a lifelong member of Hope United Church of Christ. He served on the consistory for many years, volunteered at the food pantry and reached out to provide for those less fortunate. He served on the De Soto Chamber of Commerce. He also served in the Air Force National Guard. After selling the business, he spent his retirement traveling, gardening and fishing. He made annual forays with his fishing buddies to remote regions of Ontario. He and his wife toured Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and many other destinations in the U.S. He will be remembered for his devotion to family and friends and for having a generous soul with a big heart and a great laugh. Born May 3, 1937, in De Soto, he was the son of the late Roscoe and Helen (Theel) Mueller.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Joyce; a son: Gary (Cindy Gerlach); a daughter: Tracy (Jason Sells); three granddaughters: Alison (Matt Crump), Madeleine (Michael Korb) and Sylvia (Ross Klink); and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: Glenn and Jerry Mueller.
Visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until a funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., in De Soto. Interment will be in the De Soto City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hope United Church of Christ or the De Soto Food Pantry. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.