WALTER MUELLER May 23, 1937 - April 18, 2024

The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame is saddened to hear of the passing of long-time Board Director Walter Mueller. Walter was a good-humoured, well-motivated Director of the Manitoba Hockey  Hall of Fame.  For many years he represented the MBHHF very well in the south central part of the province.

Walter Haslem Mueller of Manitou, MB, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024 at the age of 86.Walter was born on May 23, 1937 to Otto and Florence Mueller (nee Jordan) in Manitou. He attended Manitou Consolidated School and was the sole graduate in 1955. After attending the University of Manitoba and working in Winnipeg, he moved back to Manitou to work at Mueller's Hardware with his father and brother Lewis. He married Bette Louise Boote of Kaleida on August 21 1964 and they welcomed sons Terry (1968) and Jim (1970). Walter and Bette provided the opportunity for them to participate in many activities and sports.

Walter was active and instrumental in community institutions and sports. He enjoyed playing, coaching, and being involved with several sports during his youth and continuing well into later years. While a member of Pembina Valley Oldtimers, a team he organized, he and Bette enjoyed several trips to hockey tournaments across the country. Organized sports in Southern Manitoba owe their survival, in part, to the tireless efforts of Walter. He received many accolades. In 2002, Walter was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame, as both a player and builder. He was previously named to the Manitoba Honour Society for his lifetime in baseball. In 1988, he received the 'Sports Builder Award' from Central Region Sports Association. 1991 brought the Dr. Fern Letain Memorial Award for outstanding contribution to minor hockey in Pembina Valley. Walter also received a plaque for dedicated service to the Pembina Valley Minor Hockey Association for serving on the executive from 1982-1998.

Walter served on the Manitou Town Council for 35 years, and then as Mayor for over 12 years. In 1988, Walter received from the Government of Canada, a Certificate of Merit and Gold Medal in recognition of community involvement.

Walter was also a part of many other community organizations including the Manitou Golf Club, St. John the Baptist Anglican Church Vestry, Kinsmen, K-40, Central Region Sport Committee, Manitou Merchants' Assoc., Manitoba Urban Municipalities, Manitou Log House and the Nellie McClung's Homes of Manitou. 

In later years, Walter enjoyed visits with his grandchildren Natalie and Jaxon. Riding in Walter's golf cart was often a highlight. A favourite outing for Walter and Jaxon were Winnipeg Goldeyes' baseball games as they shared a passion for the game.

He is survived by his wife Bette, brother Lewis Mueller (Ella), son Terry Mueller, granddaughter Natalie Mueller, grandson Jaxon Mueller and sisters in law Beverly Boote and Lynne Bergman. He was predeceased by his beloved son Jim, his parents, two sisters Marie Angers (Pat) and Lorna Rolling (Lloyd). He will be greatly missed by not only his family but his community.

A service will be held Friday, April 26 at the St. Andrews United Church in Manitou at 2:00 pm.