Donald Bruce Mueller, 78, Blue Springs, passed away on Sept. 10, 2026, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
He was born on Sept. 11, 1947, to the late Richard and Elizabeth (Semmens) Mueller in Milwaukee, Wis.
He graduated from Wauwatosa East High School and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
While attending the university, Don met the love of his life, Nancy DeVries. They were united in marriage after graduating from college, and together they built a life centered around family, education, faith, and service. They raised their three children in Owensville and Gerald.
Don dedicated 29 years to education and retired in 2002 from the Gasconade County R-2 School District. During his years as an educator, he taught a variety of subjects at both the high school and elementary levels. Of all his teaching experiences, working with gifted students held a special place in his heart. He found great joy in encouraging young people to discover their abilities and reach their full potential.
Don had a remarkable gift for creating things with his hands. His touch of creativity was evident in everything he did, but his greatest passion was designing and building theater sets. During his years of teaching and raising his family, he shared this talent with the Owensville High School and the Owensville Community Theater. After retirement, Don continued doing what he loved, volunteering with the CEC Theatre in Columbia, Missouri, where he contributed his talents to set design and construction and also explored his creativity as a playwright.
Service to others was an important part of Don’s life. This began at a young age as he obtained his Eagle Scout rank as a youth. He then served as an active member of his community while serving as Scoutmaster for several Boy Scout troops. He held leadership roles over the years at St. Paul’s UCC in Gerald and Trinity Presbyterian Church in Columbia.
Whether he was teaching, building, volunteering, or serving his church and community, Don gave generously of his time, talents and his heart.
In retirement, he enjoyed traveling and, most of all, spending time with his family. Don was thoughtful in the way he cared for others, intellectual in his curiosity and approach to life, and goal-oriented in pursuing the things that mattered to him. Having juvenile diabetes since the age of five taught him to be resilient. He approached challenges with determination and took pride in doing things well. Don’s thoughtfulness, love of learning and commitment to accomplishing what he set out to do were qualities that shaped both his work and his relationships.
Don leaves behind a legacy of love expressed quietly through his words, but loudly through the many things he taught, built, created and shared with others. His service had an impact on communities, his teaching influenced generations of students and his love and devotion shaped his family.
Don was preceded in death by parents, Richard and Elizabeth.
He is survived by beloved wife, Nancy; children, Christina Martin and husband James of Lee’s Summit, Gregory Mueller and wife Mariah of Avon, Ind. and Jeffrey Mueller and wife Janelle of Rogersville; grandchildren, Jack and Ellie Martin and Davis, Leo, Adam, Nora and Eli Mueller; brother, Robert Mueller and wife Ellen of Bristol,Tenn.; sister, Patricia Skattum and husband Bob of Oracle Junction, Ariz.; along with many other relatives, friends, former students, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives he touched.
Don’s life was one of love, service and devotion to his family and community. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, followed by a Celebration of Life at Faith United Methodist Church in Grain Valley.
Memorial contributions suggested to the American Diabetes Association or Faith United Methodist Church.
