and
EXPRESSES OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY
OBITUARY
Thomas Otto Mueller, 61, died April 19, 2009 at KU Medical Center after a long battle with a series of health complications resulting from cystic fibrosis and colon cancer.
He was born on July 28, 1947 in Los Angeles; his family moved to the Independence area shortly afterwards.
When Tom was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a young child, the expected lifespan for a CF patient was only into the early 20’s. but as medical science advanced, Tom diligently and without complaint took the course of treatments prescribed. His courage and strength while maintaining his sense of humor in facing the everyday challenges of a chronic disease were inspirational to his family, friends and healthcare providers.
Tom worked as a graphic artist for the UMKC School of Medicine for more than 30 years, retiring in 2002.
On Thanksgiving Day, 2002, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, he received the gift of life in the form of a double-lung transplant. This generous gift allowed him several more years of quality life. Upon his death, he in turn was able to donate his corneas so that another might receive the gift of sight.
Tom volunteered his time as a co-editor and graphic artist for his Independence neighborhood newsletter.
His favorite pastimes included listening to rock and folk music, collecting pottery, running a small antiques business with his wife, and reading World Wars I and II history.
He was an animal lover and was especially fond of his cats. Tom treasured the memories of growing up in Independence and kept in touch with many of his childhood friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mathilde Mueller. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Desiree of Independence, and his two brothers, Richard Mueller of Leawood, KS and Karl Mueller of Lee’s Summit, MO, and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation at Carson-Speaks Funeral Home, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence is planned for 6-8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 21.
On Wednesday, April 22, a graveside service is planned for 1:00 PM at Green Lawn Cemetery in south Kansas City.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Tom’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at www.cff.org.
----------------------- Link to Speaks Memory Book For Tom
----------------------------
Bad news. Tom passed away sometime after midnight. He's been at KU Med in ICU for about 2 weeks. He's been in chemotherapy for colon cancer since fall. Had some trouble breathing, got pneumonia. Went into cardiac arrest a week ago Thursday at hospital. Been battling it ever since.
I went down to see him Tuesday. He was pretty perky for as sick as he was. Was going back this weekend to hang out with him. He wanted me to bring my laptop down. He was planning to get moved out of ICU. He told Dean Tuesday that he was planning on seeing a surgeon this week. Seemed hopeful. But he took a turn for the worse on Friday night.
I called the ICU on the way down to see if he had been moved to a room yet and his nurse told me palliative care, no visitors. It was a shock at first. I know that palliative word. Treatment stops, just make them comfortable until they go.
Desiree (Mrs. Tom) had her brother call me yesterday and let me know he was pretty far gone and wasn't even conscious. Desiree told me this a.m. that it was Tom's decision to let nature takes its course. She's holding up. Services later this week probably.
I'll miss him.
Sandi Myers Soendker
---------------------------
Thank You for letting me know. So sorry for his survivors. I doubt there will be any obits in the Branson News about Tom but, I knew him well while we were classmates. He was a kind and gentle soul.
Thank You again for letting me know of his passing. Sincerely, Cheryl Myers ( Humphreys)
---------------------------
I just read for the third time your note about Tom Mueller. Sad to lose another classmate but good that he no longer has to endure physical difficulties here on this plane of existence. Barb Newhard