Margaret I. Mueller, 87, of Mesa, Arizona, and formerly of Osage, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, at Montecito Post Acute Care and Rehabilitation in Mesa.

Margaret was born March 22, 1928, in Stacyville, Iowa, the daughter of Aloysius and Julia (Adams) Loecher. She attended Visitation Catholic School in Stacyville. She worked many jobs while waiting for the love of her life to return home in September of 1945 from his service in World War II. Margaret was united in marriage to Emil Mueller on Jan. 30, 1946, in Stacyville. They farmed for 35 years southeast of Osage and moved permanently to Mesa in 1999. Margaret enjoyed her retirement years in Arizona, playing the organ, painting, singing, dancing and playing bridge.

Margaret is survived by her children: Robert (Cheryl) Mueller of Mesa, Arizona, Janet Pickar of Austin, Minnesota, and Richard Mueller of Forest City; five grandchildren: Lane (Troy) Polito, Ryan Pickar, Carolyn (Eric) Kraft, Valerie (Brian) Bailey, LaVonne (Bob) Sletten; nine great-grandchildren: Grant and Mallory Polito, Michael and Anthony Pickar, Blake and Alexa Kraft, Courtney Bailey, Cadence and Carrigan Sletten; and her sister, Joan Heimer of Garner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Emil; a son, Keith Mueller; a sister, Helen Wagner; and a brother, Alfred Loecher.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage with Father Raymond Burkle officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Information available and condolences accepted at www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com. Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home, 641-732-3706, is in charge of arrangements.