Mueller, Evelyn Louise (Blasdel)

Evelyn Louise (Blasdel) Mueller passed away peacefully and surrounded by family Sunday, June 11, 2023 — just two months shy of her 98th birthday. Evelyn was born on August 22, 1925, to William and Mae Blasdel in Waldwick, WI at her grandparents’ home where she spent many summers as a young child. Her family moved from Ohio to Dodgeville during her elementary years, where she graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1943. During her senior year of high school, she caught the eye of a handsome young farmer — Charles Kenneth Mueller — while at the local roller-skating rink. Charles and Evelyn were married on December 6, 1946, after she completed nurses training at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL. They farmed together near Livingston while Evelyn worked as an RN at Dodgeville General Hospital, and they welcomed the first of their seven children a year after their marriage. The three boys and first three girls came in quick succession from 1947 to 1956, and everyone in the family was thrilled with the birth of their fourth baby girl 13 years later. 

Evelyn and Charles’ farming journey took them from Livingston to a family farm just south of Cobb, where Evelyn lived until her passing. While caring for her large family prevented her from pursuing full-time nursing, she provided private nursing care while tending to her children and working on the farm. Charles and Evelyn were honored to co-host the 1979 WI Farm Progress Days. She was an active member of the Livingston United Methodist Church her entire adult life — as a Sunday School teacher, choir director, and in women’s ministries. She shared her beautiful soprano voice at many funerals and weddings. She sang with and directed the Iowa County Homemakers Choir, as well as church and community holiday cantatas. For many years Evelyn actively participated in the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association where she held several offices. Her artistic talents shone through her exceptional cake decorating skills, which delighted family and friends on many special occasions. Evelyn had a genuine passion for hospitality, always ensuring her home was warm and inviting to all. 

Evelyn’s beloved Charles passed away in 1981. She continued managing the farm along with her nephew Bill Schweitzer. She later embarked on a new career as an administrative assistant at the Iowa County Job Center, where she worked until her retirement in 1990. Throughout her retirement, Evelyn cherished her time visiting her beloved children and grandchildren, traveling across the United States to visit them. She also enjoyed several trips out of the country and especially loved visiting Cornwall, England and learning about her ancestors there. She was an involved and loving mother of seven, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 40. Her family was blessed by her generosity as she hosted many years of family vacations in and near Sanibel Island, FL. Evelyn spent many winters in Florida, but no matter her age or health, she always loved returning to her farm home. She celebrated her 97th birthday in August 2022 at her farm, surrounded by all those lucky enough to know and love her. 

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Charles; her daughter Della Mueller James; her granddaughter Abby Rose Lee; her parents; brothers William, Robert, and Delbert Blasdel; and sister Norma Blasdel Schweitzer. She is survived by her children, their spouses, and grandchildren: Michael and Sharon Mueller, Rewey, WI (Michele, Matthew, Sarah); Dennis and Rosemary Mueller, Vergennes, VT, (Kurt, Mara, Erich); Marcus and Susan Mueller, Sikeston, MO, (Jacalyn, Jamie, Elizabeth, Charles); Marcia and Alan Jewell, Dodgeville, WI (Emily, Adam, Lillian); Della (deceased) and Tom James, Verona, WI (LaTessa, Eli, Josie); Melinda Lee, Mount Dora, FL, (Ben, Ellie, Anna); and Dawn and John Rasinske, Hillsborough, NC, (Sam, Owen, Emmett, Ainsley). She is also survived by her 40 adoring great-grandchildren (with number 41 arriving in August), as well as many nieces and nephews. 

The family appreciates the love and care extended to Evelyn by the community throughout her life and during this time. A special thank you to Lisa Britt for the last two years of care and friendship. 

Evelyn's celebration of life will be held at the Livingston United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 5, 2023, with burial to follow in the Rock Chur h Cemetery in rural Livingston. Visitation with family will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the celebration at 11 a.m. A luncheon at the church will follow. 

Memorial gifts can be made in lieu of flowers to two causes close to Evelyn’s heart — cru.org (Campus Crusade for Christ) or ccfcwi.org (the Community Connections Free Clinic in Dodgeville, WI).