Alma Mueller, age 85 of New Leipzig, passed away on March 18, 2010, at the Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin.


Services will be held at 10:30 am MT on March 23, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Leipzig, with Pastor John Amundson, officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 pm CT on Tuesday afternoon at the Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan.


Special music will be provided by Marjorie Mueller, organist, and Marcy Haase, soloist.


Alma Esther Bader was born April 7, 1924 in New Leipzig, ND to John and Julia (Weller) Bader. Alma graduated from New Leipzig High School in 1942. In the summer of 1942, she worked for the Herbert Sprecher Grocery Store. In the fall she enrolled in Dakota Business College in Fargo. While attending college she was employed by Branick and Ball Manufacturing Company. Shortly after graduation, Alma's father purchased the former LaMor Drug Store, which they renamed the New Leipzig Variety Store. Alma returned to New Leipzig and managed the store until 1947.


On August 19, 1945, Alma gave her hand in marriage to Reinhold Mueller. Together they raised three children, Jonathan, Cynthia, and Julie. While raising her children, Alma used her musical talent to provide piano lessons to many youth. Many of her former students have returned to tell her how appreciative they are for the opportunity to learn her skill of music. After raising her children, Alma was employed by Hertz's Jack and Jill Store and then Stern's Jack and Jill Store.


Alma's music interest started in her grade school days. She had lessons from Mrs. House who lived in New England and traveled throughout communities giving lessons. Alma began playing the organ at church during her Junior High days and continued to play well into her mid 80's. For years she began her Sunday morning playing for the Congregational Church in New Leipzig and then hurried to the Immanuel Church to play for their services. She played for countless weddings and funerals always personalizing the music for each. Alma could always be counted on to play for the graduation services, Memorial Day services, and many other community activities.


Alma was a lifetime member and faithful servant of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Leipzig. For years she was active in the Women of the Church and the group of ladies who sewed quilts during the winter months. She was a charter member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served various offices for the organization for 62 years.


Alma was also gifted at cooking and baking. She was very particular in the way she prepared and served her meals. She would often buy 50 pounds of flour at one time! Alma loved to share her baked goods with the people around her community. Whenever her sour cream raisin pies arrived at Oktoberfest, they were quickly sold. For years she made "little buns" and chocolate chip cookies for her great-grandchildren.


Card playing was always a great interest of Alma's. From the "Rook" parties with their friends in the early days to Canasta with the relatives and the last years playing various forms of Rummy with her family, she kept her mind sharp and was very competitive.


What a blessing Alma was. She was so kind hearted, always appreciative, and never forgot to say thank you. Anyone who met her loved her. The support system she had during these past months was amazing, from the younger generation to the elderly. We will all miss her kindness, gentle, selfless nature, and incredible sour cream raisin pie.


Alma was enriched with a wealth of compassion and love for God, her family, and her fellow man. She looked forward to visits from her family and friends. She had a special bond with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed so much, but she has moved on to a better place where pain and suffering no longer exist.


Alma will be missed dearly by her son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Bonnie Mueller, New Leipzig, ND; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Cynthia and Clayton Zacher, Elgin, ND and Julie and Robert Wolff, Mandan, ND; ten grandchildren, David (Tanya) Mueller, Brian (Brenda) Mueller, Lori (Shane) Eidsness, Michael (Nicole) Zacher, Andrea (David) Weikum, Nicole (Jerry) Smith, Erick Zacher (Erica Marchus), Kristen Wolff (Lenny Haman), Lindsey Wolff, Kellyn Wolff; thirteen great grandchildren, Max and Joy Mueller, Riley, Ethan, and Reece Mueller, Cody and Hannah Eidsness, Tyreese and Mekhi Zacher, Dawson and Connor Weikum, Isabella Smith, and Hunter Haman; one sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Harry Hanson, Edina, MN, one brother and two sisters-in-law; Meinhardt and Delores Bader, Grand Forks, ND, Peggy Bader, Highland, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.


Alma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Reinhold; three brothers and two sisters-in-law; Robert and Verletta Bader, Ray and Darlene Bader, and Marvin Bader.


Visitation will be Monday, March 22, 2010 from 1:00-7:00 pm at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Elgin, and on Tuesday one hour prior to services at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Leipzig.