M. Joanne Mueller
January 29, 1935 - July 12, 2023

Minerva Joanne Mueller entered heaven on July 12, 2023. She was born in Merced,
January 29,1935, to parents Henry and Helen (Escola) Wolfsen, the second of five children. She attended elementary school in Dos Palos, was active in 4-H during her teenage years and graduated from Dos Palos High School in 1952. Joanne attended UC Davis, majoring in Home Economics and playing on the women's basketball team. While in college, she met Robert Mueller, a soldier who was stationed at Travis Air Force Base. They were married in 1957 and moved to a dairy farm in Wisconsin. Two years later they moved to California and settled into a home on the San Luis Ranch. They moved into town in 1963, and Joanne resided in the same home in Los Banos for the rest of her life. She is survived by her two daughters: Beth Kirkpatrick (Doug) and LaVonne Borcherding (Bart), four grandchildren: Heather Kirkpatrick, Shannon Clark (Daniel), Rory Borcherding (Suchira), Taylor Closser (Jeremy), and two great grandsons: Noah and Oliver Clark. Her siblings are Henry Wolfsen (deceased), Warren Wolfsen (Carole), Shirley Stoltenberg (Gerald) and Norman Wolfsen (deceased). Joanne and her family joined St. John's Lutheran Church in 1959. Joanne served the Lord with her whole heart and generously participated in all aspects of the life and activities of the church and its members. She loved the company of family and friends and hosted many dinners and family gatherings. She put her skills to work at the Merced County Historical Society, where she helped with refreshments and decorations for many years. She took joy in the beauty of God's creation, especially birds, and in her family. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 29, at 11 am at St. John's Lutheran Church, 250 West Adams, Los Banos. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. John's Memorial Fund, Merced County Historical Society, Heifer International or the charity of your choice.

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