Melvin T. "Mel" Mueller

Melvin T. “Mel” Mueller, age 95, U.S. Marine Corps, Korean War Veteran. Beloved husband for 69 years to Arline L., nee Stone. Loving father of David (Dawn) Mueller and Diane (Jim) Quillen. Cherished grandfather of Lindsey (Ben) Dragstrem, A.J. Paterson, Erin Sharpe, Amanda (Joe) Gamboa and Emma Mueller. Dearest great-grandfather of Maria, Claire, Wesley and Silas Dragstrem and Camila, Artemis and Josie Gamboa. Dear brother of Helen and the late Charles and the late Shirley. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Mel met Arline (“Sweetie”) in 1955 while attending a church singles group called Lamp Lighters. They were married on January 19, 1957.

After Mel’s return from the Service, he attended Chicago Teacher’s College before deciding on a career as a Draftsman in the electric power industry. He first joined Pioneer Engineering and then Sargent & Lundy Engineers in 1961, before retiring in 1992. After Mel’s retirement he started his 2nd career as a School Bus Driver for 16 years. First driving for Chicago Christian HS, and then with Homer 33C where he had the privilege of driving a few of his grandchildren to and from school.

Mel was a long time member of Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church in Oak Lawn, where he served numerous positions including Sunday School Teacher, Usher, various boards as well as Church Chairman. He also served as a Boy Scout Leader for many years.

Mel & Arline enjoyed travelling together and with friends, including several Caribbean cruises, a trip to Europe, Hawaii, as well as many places in the United States. They spent 23 years spending 2-3 weeks in Florida during the winter months.

Mel & Arline lived in Oak Lawn for 32 years, and in Homer Glen for 28 years. They moved to Victorian Village in 2024. Mel’s highlight of each week was a visit from their Granddaughter, Lindsey and her 4 children. They would have lunch with Great Grandpa and Grandma, and then engage in a lively game of Bunco! Mel loved his God, his family and was happiest when helping and serving others. He will be missed, but will always be in our hearts.

Family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Trinity Ev. Covenant Church, 9230 S. Pulaski Road, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Memorial Service 11:00 a.m. Private Interment with Military Honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Covenant Harbor Bible Camp, 1724 W. Main St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147 CLICK HERE to donate online or Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church CLICK HERE to donate online are appreciated.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400