Joseph Matthew Mueller

Mr. Joseph Matthew Mueller, 90, of Morris, Ill., and formerly of Chicago and Vero Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday evening, July 1, 2012, at Morris Hospital.

Born March 31, 1922, in Chicago, Joseph was a son of the late Joseph and Anna Beck-Mueller. He was a member of the first graduating class of Taft High School in Chicago, and went on to honorably serve in the United States Navy during World War II.

On April 8, 1943, Joseph married Lydia Krause in Providence, R.I. She survives.

Joseph worked as a policeman for the city of Chicago, retiring as a captain at the age of 55. He then took a position of chief investigator with the Cook County Sheriff's Office at the Cook County Jail, prior to working as chief of security at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Joseph was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, owned race horses and loved horse racing. He will be remembered for his enjoyment of golf and truly cherished the time spent with his grandkids and great-grandkids.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Lydia; one son, Joseph A. (Donna) Mueller of Morris; four grandchildren, Sarah (Adam) Pyzyna of Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., Matthew (Katie) Mueller of Morris, Stephanie (fiancé - Andrew Gallagher) Mueller of Chicago, and Dustin (Brittney) Mueller of Des Moines, Iowa; five great-grandchildren, Lux Pyzyna, Collette Pyzyna, Lily Mueller, Juliet Mueller and Josie Mueller; and four brothers and sisters-in-law: Lee Mueller, Richard Krause, Robert Krause and Barbara Krause.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Robert Mueller, Arthur Mueller and Thomas Mueller.

A private family visitation and funeral was held at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington St., Morris. The Rev. Dr. Roy Backus officiated and burial followed in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Morris.

Preferredmemorials may be made as gifts in Joseph's memory to the Morris Hospital Foundation, 150 West High Street, Morris, IL 60450.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto www.ReevesFuneral.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes Ltd., Morris. For additional information, call the funeral home at (815) 942-2500.