Arthur E. Muller, age 83, passed away Friday, March 15, 2019, at Mayo-Red Cedar Hospital. He was born May 14, 1935 in Rochester, MN to Robert W. and Ella F. (Behnken) Muller. He was raised on a farm in rural Rochester. The family later moved to Cable WI, then Byron MN, and finally Hayfield MN where he graduated from high school.

After graduation, he took carpentry classes at Austin Junior College, then joined the U.S Army. He served in the Signal Corps from January 1955 to December 1957, and was stationed in Germany for two years. After his discharge, his GI benefits enabled him to continue his education at Rochester Junior College.  A veterans' advisor told him to check out Stout.  At Stout, he obtained an Industrial Arts B.S. Degree in 1962, and also met his wife-to-be, Judith E. Carlson. They were married June 30, 1962.

Art taught in the Oconomowoc public schools for two years, then returned to Stout for his Master’s degree. The growing college hired him as an instructor in the metals department where he taught courses including welding, foundry, and machine maintenance.   He earned an Education Doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado in 1972.   He taught many courses in the packaging program and helped design the bachelor’s degree in Packaging.   His career at Stout spanned 30 years.

After retiring from teaching in 1995, Art had several interests, woodworking, genealogy, and model railroading.  He built many pieces of furniture for family members and worked with Taylor Made Floors. A highlight of years of genealogy research was locating his mother's distant Behnken relatives in northern Germany.  Art and Judy made two trips to Germany to visit them, and later a group of six German cousins came for a reunion of descendants of the early Behnken immigrants.  He continued model railroading and joined the West Wisconsin Railroad Club.  He was also involved in a men's breakfast group.

Art is survived by wife, Judy, and their children: daughter Cheryl Muller (Bob Schwartz) of Eau Claire and their daughter Claudia Whitney (Skyler) of Menomonie; son Keith (Jessica) of Eau Claire and step-daughters Cara, Kaela, and Kendra; son Bruce (Kathryn) of Papillion NE and their daughters Kristianna, Kylie, and Alexandra.   He is also survived by his brother Robert C. Muller (Patty) as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and by his brother Paul W. Muller.

A memorial gathering will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, March 22, 2019 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Menomonie.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Memorials may be made to the Menomonie Public Library Foundation, First Congregational Church or the donor's choice.

Condolences

1. Eric Balz April 3, 2019, at 4:15pm

   I just learned of Art's passing and wanted to pass on my condolences. I was a student at UW-Stout in the mid-80's and was fortunate to have Art as a teacher. Great man and fond memories of sitting in his classroom.....Godspeed!

2. Rachel & Zach Anderson March 22, 2019, at 6:02pm

   We are sorry to hear of the loss of Art. As our neighbor of less than 2 years, he was a kind soul who would stop when we were working in the yard to give a smile and encouragement. Judy, let us know if you need anything!

3. John Taylor March 20, 2019, at 7:19am

   From my standpoint, Art Muller was one of the most skilled woodworkers and the most humble person that worked at Taylor Made Flooring. In one instance among several, in designing a future floor, I had my crews look at my design and they pretty much thought it impossible to do. When I showed it to Art, he said, “Let me sleep on it”. In a couple of days, he said he had some ideas and that he wanted to make a prototype of the design and wanted to have some time to do what he called “Imagineering”. When I showed the sample to the customer, they were elated and wondered how soon we could do the floor. The floor turned out to be one that we entered into the National Wood Flooring Association, Floor of the Year competition. It resulted in a category called the “Best of the Rest”. I felt that Art was the Wood Floor Maestro and he taught us all how to be better people through his humble attitude.

   Thank you Art for your Imagineering, your friendship and the chance to work with you.

4. Roger Elliott, President, WWRC March 19, 2019, at 5:18pm

   On behalf of the membership of the West Wisconsin Railroad Club, our sincere condolences to Art's family. The weather this winter has put a halt to many of our railroad club meetings and other gatherings so it has been some time since I spent any time with Art, but I want you to know how much we all enjoyed his company, listening to his stories and his appreciation for the railroad hobby. We will miss his participation in our activities.

5. Nancy and Joe Burkhardt March 19, 2019, at 4:25pm

   To the Family: I never met Arthur but I have the pleasure of being related to his son through marriage. Arthur must have been a sweet man to have such a caring son. I regret that we are leaving the country on Friday am and will not be able to join you at the funeral. Please know that we hold you all in our hearts as you say goodbye to Arthur. Please know that we will make a donation in Arthur's name to the Mennomonie Library.

6. Robert Behnken March 18, 2019, at 8:07pm

   Please accept our condolences. Jan and really enjoyed the German restaurant meals with Art. He was an eminently interesting man and my best source of Behnken history.

7. Bob Meyer March 18, 2019, at 1:19pm

   Hi Judy and family,
   On behalf of the UW-Stout community I'd like to extend our sincere sympathies for your loss. Art was a wonderful colleague and was my first department chair when I became a member of the faculty. He cared deeply about the university and the people that invested themselves in our students' success. He was a visionary too and along with Marv Kufahl established our Packaging program at UW-Stout that has benefited many employers and students (including my daughter Erica). He made an indelible, positive imprint on the institution and its staff. He was a true gentle man and a gentleman and he will be genuinely missed.
   Bob Meyer

8. Marsha Flannery March 18, 2019, at 12:32pm

   We are so sorry about the loss of your husband, father brother and uncle. He was such a fine man. Love to all..Marsha and Pat Flannery

9. Barbara Freiberg March 18, 2019, at 10:15am

   I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. It is so hard to lose someone that close to you. Praying that God puts his arms around all of you and gives you peace.

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