Fred E. Mueller, age 94 passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Grand Victorian Assisted Living in Rockford, IL.  He was born on the home farm outside New Glarus on July 14, 1931 the son of Emil and Elise (Muehlematter) Mueller, Swiss immigrants.  Fred graduated from New Glarus High School in 1949 and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Farm and Industry Short Course.  Fred was a lifelong farmer who enjoyed following the Brewers, Packers, and Badgers.  For many years he participated in the annual New Glarus Wilhelm Tell Play.  Spending time with family was always important to Fred, whether it was trips to Northern Wisconsin to hunt and fish or playing a game of Jass that he usually won.  In his later years he liked to watch RFDTV for the polka music and farming shows.  He was a member of the Swiss United Church of Christ in New Glarus.

Fred is survived by his sister Elaine Paulson, niece Roxanne Murwin, great-niece Jazlyn Murwin, great-nephew Jayden (Bella Ruosch) Murwin, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home, 29 Sixth Ave., New Glarus, WI with Pat Pluss officiating.  Burial will be in the New Glarus Cemetery.

A visitation will precede the funeral service from 10:00 a.m. until time of Services on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Zentner-Beal Funeral Home in New Glarus.

The family would like to than Fred’s in home caregivers and the staff from UW Health, SSM, Hometown Assisted Living, and the Grand Victorian for their care.

Online condolences may be given at www.bealfuneralhomes.com