Obituary of Margaret Hyle Mueller

Margaret Mueller April 1, 1911 � March 30, 2014 Margaret was an outstanding teacher, a mentor, gourmet cook, an excellent bridge player and willing volunteer. After being widowed in 1953, Margaret became an Early Childhood educator at the University of Wisconsin � Whitewater, where she taught from 1954 to 1974. Here, she helped teach and guide scores of young children and young adults in discovering their unique potentials. She was a visionary and a mentor and helper to all those she touched throughout her life. Margaret died just two days before her 103rd birthday surrounded by those she loved and those who loved her. In 1985, Margaret led the way in forging CAPS � Cultural Affairs in the Public Schools. Initially started to serve the public schools of Whitewater, Wisconsin, CAPS expanded to become the Horizons Program with a mission to support the curriculum of schools by providing culturally diverse programs for K-12 students. Top notch professional Theatre for Young Audience companies from around the USA and Canada continue to perform at the Young Auditorium largely due to the efforts of Margaret. In addition, Margaret received the Roseman Excellence in Teaching Award and was the founder of the Children�s Center at the University, a program which is still functioning today. Her philosophy and ideas on teaching became the statewide guide for kindergarten teachers in Wisconsin. Margaret was often a guest professor and lecturer throughout the country. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer and her son-in law Ray Henschel. She is survived by her children, Don (Alice) Mueller, daughter Helen Henschel, daughter Kathy (Bill) Fredell and son Michael Mueller. She is also survived by her �adopted son� Xan Johnson as well as eight grandchildren and many great grand children. At Margaret�s request, a private interment was held on April 5. There will be an open house celebration of Margaret's life on April 27 in Whitewater in the Fern Young Terrace at the Young Auditorium from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. If desired, memorials can be made to the Horizons Program University Foundation at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, Wisconsin assisted the family.