Darlene R. Mueller

October 27, 1954-December 3, 2024

Darlene Stewart Mueller, born on October 27, 1954, in Normal, Illinois. She spent most of her upbringing in Columbia, Missouri and moved to Kansas City after college where she met her spouse, Randy Mueller. Darlene passed away on December 3, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Darlene lived her life with joy, resilience, and an unwavering spirit.

Darlene graduated from Hickman High School in 1972 and continued her education at Stephens College, where she studied Physical Education, graduating in 1976. She married Randy Mueller in 1978 and spent 46 wonderful years as husband and wife. Their love was evident in their many adventures together, traveling the world with cherished friends and enjoying time with their family.

Darlene had a passion for music, often sharing her enthusiasm with her daughter by declaring, “Dar Dar is cool,” while tuning into 89.7 The River. She was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and found joy in summers spent at the Lake of the Ozarks with her family and friends. Her winters were traditionally spent with loved ones in Naples, Florida, where she made lasting memories.

Darlene was a fighter, facing significant health challenges with grace and determination. She was a patient at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, on three separate occasions throughout her life. She demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming a congenital heart defect, a fertility journey, and a courageous battle against anaplastic thyroid cancer. Her strength and unwavering faith inspired all who knew her.

Darlene was a proud mother to Robert Stewart Mueller and Leslie Marie Fonda, and nothing brought her more joy in recent years than being “Dar Dar” to her beloved grandchildren, Stewart Day and Charlotte James, as well as her grand-pup, Aspen.

She is survived by her husband, Randy Mueller; daughter, Leslie Fonda; son-in-law, James Fonda; grandchildren; siblings: Janet Zangari, Randy (Debra) Stewart; many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Darlene was preceded in death by her son, Robert Stewart Mueller; loving parents, Donald and Shirley Stewart of Columbia, Missouri; brother-in-law, Mark Allen Zangari of Tulsa, Oklahoma; as well as many beloved friends.

Darlene’s selflessness and passion for service to others, volunteerism and philanthropy were evident to all who knew her. A significant amount of Darlene’s life was focused on giving back to her community. She was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Nebraska Children’s Home Society, Community Alliance, PEO, the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee and the Junior League of Omaha, reflecting her dedication to giving back.

Darlene’s beautiful life will be celebrated on Monday December 9, 2024, 10:30 am at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 11810 Burke St., Omaha Nebraska. Friends and family are invited to enjoy a lunch and celebration at Champions Run following the service. Darlene requested that loved ones wear vibrant colors and shimmer or sparkle to reflect her beautiful, full life. Private graveside service and interment, Forest Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Community Alliance or the Nebraska Children’s Home Society.

To view live broadcasts of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.