Cecilia Mae Mueller | 96 | Hardin

By Editor | July 30, 2024 |

Cecilia Mae (Behrens) Mueller, age 96, of Hardin, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Calhoun Nursing and Rehab in Hardin, IL.
Born May 6, 1928, in Hardin, IL, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Anna (Horman) Behrens Funk. She married Orville Mueller on May 14, 1949, at St. Norbert’s Church in Hardin by the Rev. Edmund Butler and they were blessed with 59 years together. He passed away on Nov. 21, 2008.
After graduating from Hardin High School Class of 1946 and attending Gem City Business College in Quincy, IL, Cecilia taught business classes at Kampsville High School for three years. She spent several years as office manager and secretary for the couple’s insurance business before retiring. She was a member of St. Norbert’s Church, Altar Society, Adult choir and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 636 of Hardin. Cecilia was a former member of Hardin Women’s Club, Calhoun Entertainment Co. and Shipman Community Choir. Cecilia and Orville were avid square dancers as members of the Jersey County Grand Squares. They were former members of the Bunker Hill Kuntry Kuzins and Wood River HoeDowners. A very proud wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, camping and traveling throughout the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico and Nova Scotia.
She is survived by a daughter, Elise (Jeff) Kist of Eden Prairie, MN, and a son, Glenn (Sandy) of Cumming, GA. There are five surviving grandchildren, Graham Kist, Morgan (Phill) Stewart, Blake (Jay) Rane, Allyn (Pablo) deOliveira, Davis Mueller; and three beloved great-granddaughters, Sarah Cecilia, Emma Paige and Evie Elise deOliveira. Also surviving are her nephews Bill (Kathy) Behrens of NH, Dr. Bill (Suzanne) Behrens of CA, niece Maggi Behrens of Godfrey; and a very special niece and caregiver, Sarah Kinder of Brussels, IL. A sister-in-law, Dorothy Lemm of Bethalto, also survives, along with other nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers and wives, Herbert and Gertrude Behrens, Raphael and Rose Behrens, Paul and Doris Behrens, two baby sisters, Mildred and Mary Ann; and nephews Bob, Jim, and Joe Behrens, her godson.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Norbert’s Catholic School in Hardin.
Visitation will be Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Gress, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin. A mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Norbert’s Church, with Rev. Don J. Roberts presiding. Burial to follow mass at St. Norbert’s Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Norbert’s Catholic School in Hardin.