Steven Leroy Mueller, 85, Reynolds, IL passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Mercer Manor in Aledo, IL. There will be a visitation from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM with a funeral service following at 12:00 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, Taylor Ridge, IL. Burial at Zion Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Steve was born February 14, 1941, in Moline, Illinois, to Carl and Gertrude (Schmidt) Mueller. He grew up on the family farm near Reynolds and graduated from Rockridge High School. After high school, he drove a semi before beginning a long career as a lineman. He worked for Reynolds Power, later MidAmerican Energy, for more than 30 years. In retirement, he stayed busy running his own boom truck business, setting poles and repairing lights.

On October 15, 1961, he married Sharon Hartman. Together they made their home on the family farm, where they raised their daughters. Steve was also a lifelong farmer, growing tomatoes for Heinz alongside his brothers.

Steve was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He enjoyed restoring and driving his antique John Deere tractor and was a member of the Two-Cylinder Club. He also had a love for racing, competing in a ¾ midget car for many years and making annual trips to the Tulsa Chili Bowl.

He is survived by his children, Jeanne Mueller, Jacki (Matt) Tracy, Todd (Sashel) Peterson, and Jeri Pigeon; stepchildren, Shelby (Mark) Beebe, Megan (Nathan) Finch, and Blake (Megan) Bull; grandchildren, Amanda (Andrew) Mueller, Matthew (Amanda) Robinson, Zach (Alyssa) Werner, Dylan Tracy, Maxwell Mueller, Ellen Pigeon, Avery Hall, Bella Peterson, and Jace Peterson; 11 great-grandchildren; special friend, Carol Busold Shrader; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Julie Robinson; great-granddaughter, Dahlia Rangel; and his siblings.

Condolences may be left for the family in the online guestbook.