Debra “Deb” L. (Ihus) Mueller
Debra “Deb” L. (Ihus) Mueller, 74, of Independence, following a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia, passed away peacefully, Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Deb was born October 6, 1950, to Sarah Thiel and Melvin Ihus. Her early years were spent in foster care until she found a loving family, Norm and Vivian Peterson, of Strum.
After graduation, she went to become a most outstanding and caring CNA. Deb took great pride in what she did. She worked for Tri-County Hospital and later for the Trempealeau County Healthcare Center. Deb retired early after a train vs. motor vehicle accident. This was when her fight with Lewy Body Dementia started to rapidly progress.
Life was not always the easiest for her, but she didn’t let that define who she was as a person. When you met her, you instantly knew she would be a friend for life. Her caring, loving and bubbly personality let her fit into any situation she encountered.
Deb married Ed Mueller, October 24, 1970, and together they raised three children: Kirby, Lori and Rachel. Deb loved her Packers, coffee and Dr. Pepper, huge family gatherings for all birthdays, holidays, and taking mini vacations. She was very close to all of her grandkids and great-grandkids.
Ed, her loving husband and relentless caretaker, poured his heart and soul into taking care of her until her last moment. Her son, Kirby, who played a part in taking care of her — let’s just say, he was her little sidekick! And for her daughter, Rachel (Ryan), the love Deb had for Rachel was untouchable — so much so that she needed to leave this world on her birthday, forever linked as one! …and her daughter, Lori (Tim), who she loved and cherished.
Deb leaves her husband and children; her grandchildren: Abigail and Eric White, (Owen, Alivia, Caleb), Caitlyn Moe, Robbi (Matt) Moe, Brittany (Bryant Sorensen) Mueller, Mackenzie Walker (Braxton and Dexter Lenhart), Zachary (Paisley) Walker, Austin (Toby and Oakley) Johnson, Kristin and Travis Johnson. She also leaves her sister, and best friend Kate Ihus, who she would have been lost without; her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Johnson; and sisters and brothers: Carla Phasey, Susan Boyer and Diane Hermanson, David Theil, Louise Pehl, Henry Ihus and Corrine Love. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her foster parents; her siblings: Gary Swendby, Sandra Koch and Jackie Cantrell; and a brother-in-law, Donnie Mueller.
We would also like to send our sincere thanks for taking great care of her in the last few months of her life to the team over at St. Croix Hospice (Black River Falls), all the staff at Rolling Meadows in Strum, WI. We would also like to send a huge thank you to Ben (Nurse), Carli and Mikayla of My Choice Wisconsin. These three individuals went above and beyond their job titles.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later time for all family and friends to join in celebrating this outstanding lady. The date, place, and time will be posted in the Trempealeau County Times newspaper and on Facebook when we have chosen a date.
Chippewa Valley Cremation Services & Celebration of Life Center is serving the family. For more information, please visit ChippewaValleyCremation.com or call 715-835-3333.
