Donald “Don” Mueller

Donald Dean Mueller was born on August 9, 1960, a summer Tuesday, just before his twin brother, to Werner “Bing” and Maxine (Haynes) Mueller in Marion, KS. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Tampa.

During his childhood, he was active in sports, participating in football, basketball and track. In Little League, he actually threw a no-hitter and still got beat by Hillsboro! He was also active in 4-H and showing cattle before graduating from Centre High School in 1978. After graduation, he attended Salina Vo-Tech in the carpentry program and worked at General Battery.

On April 19, 1980, he married his high school sweetheart, Francie Klenda, in a beautiful wedding followed by a dance at the Starlight Ballroom in Pilsen, KS. He was an early participant in the Klenda tradition of pushing his bride in a wheelbarrow around the church yard after the wedding. After a brief honeymoon to Wichita, they bought a home in Assaria. In 1982, when Bing passed away, they moved to Tampa, where Donald continued farming and milking cows at the Mueller Dairy north of town. He was an expert in AI (artificial insemination) for area cattle ranching operations.

Donald and Francie were blessed with three children, Kristin, Kevin, and Chad. The kids loved being at the dairy farm and “helping.” He was very proud of them and enjoyed watching the kids’ sports and activities. Going to the fair and dairy shows with the kids was always an adventure that he treasured. Then came the grandchildren, Zachary, Charlotte, and Kaylee, and Donald was now a “grandpa,” which he loved.

Donald volunteered on the Tampa Fire Department his entire adult life and was ready to go when needed. Fun fact, Donald responded to 65 calls in the last five years. For many years, summer weekends included playing slow pitch softball and a few coed tournaments. Later on, he could be found with his cows every September at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. He was on the Kansas Dairy Board, served a term as the town marshall (many still thought he was), and was currently President of the Marion County Rural Water District #1. He could often be found checking for water leaks and monitoring the water tower.

Donald was known for being hard-working and dedicated to his family and community. Often he was the “go to” person when a neighbor or farmer needed help. He did not appreciate being the center of attention but will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, and willingness to help those in need. He enjoyed a good ballgame and having drinks while playing cards and games with friends. Those qualities will leave a lasting impact. His love for the land and farming was shared with his family, leaving a mark that will never fade. Donald had a seriously quirky sense of humor, and his most famous quote of “don’t be a dumba**” will echo in many minds.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim, and sister-in-law Nancy Kay. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Francie; his daughter Kristin (Eric Bunnel) of Tijeras, New Mexico, and their three children Zach, Charlotte, and Kaylee; his sons Kevin and Chad both of Tampa; his sister Nancy (Gary Hawkes) of Salina; brothers Mike (Sharyn) of Olathe, Richard (Susie) of Mentor, Ed (Barb) of Salina, Alan (Cindy) of Assaria; and his twin brother Ronald (Kaylene) of Tampa. His many nieces and nephews and even more extended relatives and friends also are left to mourn his passing.

Donald died January 30, 2026, at 65 years of age at a place he knew well and loved, the Mueller home place. It is believed he would have wanted it that way. One of his final acts of kindness was his choice to be an organ donor, and his earthly body will benefit and improve the quality of life for countless people who will never meet this generous man. He was a quiet giver in so many ways.

An evening of reminiscing and laughter will be held Friday, February 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the Senior Center in Tampa. His celebration of life will take place Saturday morning, February 7, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Tampa, with overflow seating available across the street in the Catholic church. Burial will take place in the north Tampa cemetery overlooking the farm where he was raised.

A memorial fund in Donald’s name has been established for the Tampa Community Foundation in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, KS 67063.  Online condolences at www.jostfuneralhome.com