Lombard, IL–(ENEWSPF)–August 18, 2012.l Lombard Village President William J. “Bill” Mueller passed away today from complications caused by West Nile Virus. Mueller had been hospitalized since August 5. He was 76.
Mueller was raised a civic-minded individual who has spent his adult life working toward positive change in Lombard. His life was filled with an array of both political and community positions. Mueller was a devoted family man, became a local business owner and served in the Illinois Air National Guard. He began his civic career more than 50 years ago.
Mueller began his political career in the late 1950’s as a member of the Village of Lombard’s Safety Committee and the Lombard Youth Commission. From there, he served in every aspect of local government. He held the position of District Trustee (1975-79) and served as Chairman of the Public Works Committee as well as the Chairman of the DuPage Community Development Commission. More recently, Mueller was President of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference and Co-Chairman of the Glenbard Wastewater Authority. He never shied away from taking on chairmanships of local fundraising events or serving on local agencies, boards and committees such as the YMCA, St. Pius X School and Church, Cub Scout Leader and President of the Lombard Chamber of Commerce.
“He was truly an activist for the people of Lombard,” said Lombard Village Clerk Brigitte O’Brien.
Mueller, a life-long Lombard resident, served as Village President since 1993, having begun his fifth consecutive term in May of 2009. Mueller was the longest serving Village President in Lombard’s history.
“The vision Bill held was evident in the daily lives of the citizens of Lombard and visitors to our community,” said Lombard Village Manager David Hulseberg. “Bill had the foresight to position Lombard as a location destination that manifested the Village into becoming an attraction of the state of Illinois and yet, Bill never lost sight of the same small hometown feel that he had experienced when he grew-up here in the Lilac Village,” Hulseberg added. “He was a true Lombardian in every sense of the word.”
The Village Hall was much like a second home to Mueller and the employees were like his second family. He was an icon in the Village for residents and employees, making an effort to always recognize everyone’s accomplishments and making them feel special.
Mueller is survived by the first lady of Lombard, Eileen, and his two daughters Donna Fruehe (Mark) and Debbie Rapata (Keith) and four grandchildren.
“Our father was truly a servant leader and everything he did was for others. We feel sincerely blessed. He was an amazing dad, husband and grandpa,” said his daughters, Fruehe and Rapata. “The family wants to thank everyone for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers. It has been amazing and has strengthened us to get through this difficult time,” added the family.
Mueller was always praising people for the work they did and was always saying “Thank you.” Now it is our turn to say to Bill, “Thanks for all you did,” said O’Brien. Funeral arrangements are being planned by the family and will be announced as soon as they are available.
Source: http://www.villageoflombard.org
