Roger Kenneth Mueller

Roger K. Mueller passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Oak Terrace in North Mankato, MN.

Visitation will take place on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mankato Mortuary. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato, MN, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

Roger was born on October 23, 1946, to Herbert and Lucille (Brinkman) Mueller in New Ulm, Minnesota. The oldest of six children, he spent much of his youth in New Ulm helping his uncle and grandfather on the family farm. He graduated from Mankato West High School in 1965 and proudly served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1968.

On October 4, 1969, Roger was united in marriage to Mary Puthoff in Humboldt, South Dakota. Together they were blessed with two sons, Joel and Jerome. After living in Minneapolis and Nebraska, they settled in Mankato to raise their family.

Roger enjoyed a long and dedicated career with the railroad. He began with the Soo Line in Minneapolis before moving to Mankato to work for Chicago and North Western, which later became Union Pacific. Starting as a brakeman/conductor, he worked his way up to locomotive engineer, a position he held until his retirement in 2006.

Second only to his family, trains were Roger’s ultimate passion. He could often be found visiting local railyards, reading history books, taking photographs, watching trains pass by, and marveling at passenger trains—taking several memorable rail trips over the years. An avid model railroader, he was an active member of the St. James Model Railroad Club. He spent countless hours building and perfecting his own layout at home, and loved attending train shows with his son and grandson to gather new ideas. Roger and Mary also shared a love of tandem biking, always seeking out rail-trails converted from historic train lines.

An enthusiastic traveler, Roger took his family on countless road trips across the country, ultimately visiting all 50 states—navigating the old-fashioned way with printed road maps, no GPS required.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary; sons, Joel (Shawna) Mueller and Jerome Mueller (partner Jeff Brown); grandchildren, Nicholas, Rebecca, and Jack Mueller; brother, Gene Mueller; sisters, Susan Foster and Peggy Mueller; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Lucille Mueller; sister, Joann Yoikel; brother, Gary Mueller; nephew, Justin Mueller; and infant nephew, Brian Mueller.

Now as he says goodbye,

His love for trains will never die.

Following his true intention,

The train carries him to his final destination.