Humboldt Twp. – Erwin "Erv" F. Mueller, age 89, of 24 Co. Rd. FB in Humboldt Twp passed away on Monday March 18, 2013 at the Bell Hospital in Ishpeming where he had been a patient since this past Friday. Erwin was born January 4, 1924 in Miranda, SD the son of the late Max and Margaret D. (Kuehner) Mueller. His childhood was spent in South Dakota, moving with his family to Omaha, NB during his high school years. Following his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served aboard the Battleship USS California on Dec. 7, 1941 in Pearl Harbor and survived although he was declared dead. Later during World War II, Erwin served in the Asiatic – Pacific Theater, aboard the USS Chicago and USS Kane, having been involved in 13 major battles during this time. Following World War II, Erwin made a career in the U.S. Navy, retiring on August 1, 1963 as a Chief Warrant Officer W-3 from Great Lakes Naval Station, IL. During his time in the Navy, Erwin met and fell in love with Ellen E. Kiiskila, whom he married on June 2, 1956 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Waukegan, IL. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Erwin and his wife moved to Salt Lake City, UT and he was employed at Trane Airconditioning Co. He later became a field underwriter for Uniguard Insurance Co. working first out of the Salt Lake City office, later being transferred to Illinois. Erwin went on to work for the Waukegan School District in the maintenance dept. prior to taking the maintenance supervisor position at the Lake Forest Preserve District. He held that position for 19 years, retiring on January 20, 1989 at which time, he and Ellen moved to Humboldt Twp. in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which Erv referred to as "God's Country." Locally, Erwin was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, was a member and current president of the Michigamme senior citizens group, and attended the Humboldt Twp. senior meals, along with being a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed cross country skiing, hunting, watching the wildlife from his home, music and painting. Survivors include his wife Ellen E. Mueller of Humboldt Twp., a brother Richard (Myra) Mueller of Charleston, SC, grandsons – Kenneth (Kendra) Mueller of Oklahoma City, OK, Kevin Mueller of Buffalo Grove, IL, great grandchildren Garrett Mueller and Valerie Mueller, Sister-in-law Ruth (Marvin) Dobson of Ishpeming, Brothers-in-law – Roy Kiiskila of Red Granite, WI and Paul (Anna) Kiiskila of Round Lake Beach, IL along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Kenneth Mueller Sr. on Oct. 8, 1996 and a brother Henry Mueller. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am until 12:00noon on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Funeral services will follow at 12noon at the church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Military Honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the services by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380. Interment will take place at the Humboldt Cemetery in the spring. The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be heard by clicking here.