Hazel Emma (Bauer) Muller

Hazel Emma Marie (Bauer) Muller, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, was born on February 27, 1926, on a farm near Buck Grove, Iowa, to John and Theresa (Lindner) Bauer. At the age of one, her family moved in with John’s mother and brothers near Portsmouth, Iowa, and a year later settled near Persia.

Hazel began her education at Pleasant Ridge country school near Persia. When her family moved to the Harlan area, she attended Pleasant Valley country school (Lincoln #7). She was eight years old at the time. After completing eight years in country schools, Hazel began high school in Harlan and graduated with the class of 1943.

Following graduation, Hazel and her sister Elizabeth moved to Omaha. There, Hazel attended night school while working at Boys Town during the day. A year later, she began working at J.I. Case Co. in Omaha, where she utilized her skills in typing and shorthand acquired during her time in Harlan. She later worked at Mutual of Omaha.

On February 18, 1948, Hazel married Darell Don Muller at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. The couple moved to the Muller family farm southwest of Harlan, where they lived throughout their farming years.

Hazel and Darell were blessed with three daughters: Mary Jo, Linda Marie, and Judy Ann, who later brought great joy to their lives with the addition of three wonderful sons-in-law: Rick Eggleston, Bruce Mayer, and Bryan Patrick. Hazel’s family grew further with two grandsons, Christopher and Jonathan.

Hazel had many passions. She loved embroidery, oil painting, and using her computer to stay connected with her daughters and their families through email. She took great pride in raising African violets and tending her outdoor flowers. Over the years, Hazel devoted her time to her community, working at the Shelby County Fair for 22 years and helping run the rummage sale at the Tennant Church for 34 years. In recognition of her contributions, she was inducted into the Shelby County Hall of Fame in 1998. Hazel was also a long-time member of the Sew & Sews sewing club, which she joined in 1985.

On Sunday, December 8, 2024, Hazel passed away peacefully at Myrtue Medical Center, having reached the age of 98 years, 9 months, and 11 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Theresa Bauer; her husband, Darell Muller; her sister, Georgene Ashley; and her great-grandchildren, Caleb and Caedyn Mayer, who passed away in infancy.

Hazel is survived by her daughters: Mary Jo Muller (Rick Eggleston) of Texas, Linda Mayer (Bruce) of Arkansas, and Judy Patrick (Bryan) of Arizona; grandsons: Christopher Mayer (significant other, Jillian Glover) of Texas and Jonathan Mayer (Jordan) of Ames; sisters: Elizabeth Dunn of Harlan and Marie Ritter of California; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Heartland Funeral Home, 1401 Garfield, Harlan. The Memorial service will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., also at the funeral home with burial in the Harlan Cemetery to follow. Memorial contributions in Hazel's honor can be made to Walk With You by visiting: https://www.walkwithyounonprofit.org/