George Paul Mueller

George Paul Mueller, 87, Litchfield, Ohio passed into his heavenly home Monday, October 21, 2024. George was born April 9, 1937 in Lodi, Ohio to the late William and Ruth (nee Ryland) Mueller.  George was the second of three children.

He is preceded in death by his wife of over 65 years, Doris Louise Mueller (nee Kemp) and will be missed greatly by his children, Melissa Mueller, Suzanne (Danny) Ross, Andrea (Jim) Woodhall, and Greg (Dana) Mueller; grandchildren Darren (Liz) Ross, Abbey (Adam) Morello, Jimmy Woodhall, Tom (Toria) Woodhall, Brady Mueller and Lauren Mueller; as well as three great grandchildren.

George was a graduate of Medina High School and a lifelong Medina County resident. He grew up going on house calls with his dad who was a veterinarian in Medina.  They would travel Medina County helping with calls from area farmers and assisting others with their pets. This helped foster George’s love of animals.  He had a very special place in his heart for animals and always did all he could to help them.

He went on to graduate from Carnegie Institute in Cleveland, earning a degree as a Medical Technologist.  He worked as a lab and x-ray technician at Lodi Hospital before becoming a Harness Horse Driver and Trainer, which he did for over 40 years. He trained locally at the Medina County Fairgrounds before moving his stable to his farm/track in Litchfield.  George raced at Northfield Park (Cleveland), Raceway Park (Toledo), Scioto Downs (Columbus), and Wheeling Downs (Wheeling, WV). He also loved racing his young horses in the Northern Ohio County Fair Circuit.  Throughout his racing career he amassed nearly 1000 wins and drove Excellent Tad to the World Record for Gelding Trotters on a 5/8ths mile track in 1973.

George became a dear friend to the Amish community.  He spent a lot of time at the horse, livestock and equipment sales in Amish country and could often be found driving the van to dinner for one of his favorite Amish families.  He would often find old broken bikes and fix them and take them to the Amish communities for the kids, because “someone could get good use out of them” Also, because he “thought” he could fix anything!

When his racing days were over, he drove the school bus for Buckeye Local Schools.  He loved the daily interaction with kids and was always determined to be a bright and happy spot in their day.

As a young man George loved to play fastpitch softball, especially with his best friend Howard Calame.  He played at the Abbeyville Ball Field and it was there that he met Doris. Doris worked in the concession stand and George played ball. In between games George would play matchmaker. Howard would be forever grateful.

George was a great neighbor to everyone in Litchfield, especially to those who found themselves needing to be pulled out of the ditch on a cold winter night.  George would get on his tractor and pull them out not matter who it was, friend or stranger, and no matter what time of night or early morning.  He also served as Litchfield Township Trustee and successfully worked hard to get a new Fire Department built, which he was extremely proud of.

George met many people throughout his life and become beloved to most all of them. He had a colorful sense of humor and had a joke or story to tell for every occasion, always in an effort to put a smile on a face and brighten someone’s day.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Valley City, Ohio where a private service and burial will be held.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at THE Kemper House, Strongsville for their care and support.

The Bauer Funeral Home, Valley City has the honor of serving the Mueller family.

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