Dr. Thomas James Mueller passed away on December 4, 2022 at the age of 88. Tom was born on May 25, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late John Anthony and Margaret Mary (Staudenmaier) Mueller. He was the first in his family to receive a bachelor's degree, and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana. A driving force of his life was to obtain the best education, so he could pursue his love of airplanes and determine his own destiny.
Tom started as a professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Notre Dame in 1965, was named the Roth-Gibson Professor, served as Chairman of the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering department and advanced to Emeritus Professor in 2005. He supervised 31 Master’s students and 20 Ph.D. candidates and wrote 80 journal articles and several books. Tom particularly enjoyed teaching students at Notre Dame and won a number of teaching awards. He was elected fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Aeronautical Society of London and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He was proud to be a contributor to NASA, NSF and the Defense Department and their missions for space flight, improved understanding of artificial heart valves and the defense of our country.
Despite his many professional accomplishments, being a good husband and father came first. On November 18, 1961, Tom married the love of his life Sarah Ann Holthaus, who preceded him in death. Tom and Sarah were longtime residents of South Bend and raised 5 amazing children together. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Monica (Steve Largent) Mueller Laidig of Mishawaka, Indiana; Ann Marie (Eric) Baumgartner of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; sons, Mark (Liz) Mueller of Arizona; Matthew (Diane) Mueller of Tampa, Florida; and James (Kellye Mitros) of South Bend, Indiana; his grandchildren, David, Clara, John Mueller, Avamarie Laidig; Brad and Ben Largent; Megan, Luke, and Emma Baumgartner. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Noah Thomas Laidig; and his brother, John Mueller.
Tom will be remembered for his unique sense of humor, love for our country and devotion to his family. His family was blessed to have him until the age of 88, but he will be forever missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:30 Monday, December 12, 2022 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 p.m.-3 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend prior to Mass. A private burial will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
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