Ernest Ludwig “Ernie” Mueller completed his earthly adventure on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. For the past several years, he made his home at Park Village Southside.
Born on February 2, 1935, Ernie grew up in the Broad Run Cheese House. He was the son of the late cheesemaker Ernest Mueller and his wife, Marie (Graf), both immigrants from Switzerland. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Margaret “Peggy” (McAnlis) Mueller, who passed away in 2023.
A 1953 graduate of Shanesville High School, Ernie continued his education at The Ohio State University, where he discovered his lifelong passion for flying. Following graduation, he began a distinguished 24-year career in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1981 with the rank of Colonel. His service took him and his family around the world, with assignments in Okinawa, Germany, and numerous bases across the United States. His final post was with the Presidential Airlift Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., where he flew many government officials, including then–Vice President Walter Mondale. Ernie was also a proud Vietnam veteran.
After his military retirement, Ernie continued his aviation career, flying commercially for Midway Airlines for nearly two decades while living in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1997, Ernie and Peggy returned to Tuscarawas County to be closer to their grandchildren. Together they shared a love of travel, visiting every continent except Antarctica, and Ernie maintained close ties with his extended family in Switzerland.
Each fall, the Mueller family gathered in Sugarcreek for the Swiss Festival—a cherished tradition spanning decades. Ernie and his family joyfully participated each year, donning authentic Swiss attire.
Ernie and Peggy also shared a deep enthusiasm for antique automobiles, touring across the country with the Snappers Brass and Gas Touring Club, part of the AACA. Ernie was an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and, for as long as his health allowed, a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia.
Ernie is survived by his son, Ernest J. Mueller of Kirkwood, Missouri; his daughter, Lisa (Kenny) Lab of New Philadelphia; and his cherished grandchildren: Fred Lab of Utsunomiya, Japan, and Audrey (Kyle) Mattevi and their daughter, Madelyn, of New Philadelphia. He is also survived by his brother, Edward Mueller of Nashville, Tennessee; Peggy’s brother and sister-in-law, Dr. John and Joan McAnlis of Wadsworth; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ernie was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Katherine Mueller; his sister, Rosemarie Raffel; and his brothers, George and Fritz.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of Park Village Southside and Ohio’s Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness to both Ernie and Peggy in recent years.
Visitation will be held at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10:30 a.m. and burial in Union Hill Cemetery in Sugarcreek.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
www.geibfuneral.com
Geib Funeral Service
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
Geib Pet Crematory
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
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