ATHOL, Idaho — In the early morning hours of Feb. 1, 2022, we lost Derek “Deke” Michael Mueller from a brain tumor, found to be cancer. He had no pain and was at peace when he went to be with Jesus, with his wife Stephanie by his side at their home in Athol, Idaho, where they resided with their son Gage E. Mueller.

Stephanie Mueller had cared for him throughout his illness with the help of hospice care in the end. Deke was born in Middlebury, Vt., on Nov. 23, 1971, at Porter Hospital to his parents Richard F. and Cindra L. Mueller, formerly of Middlebury, Vt. Deke  attended schools in Middlebury, and also in Wyoming and Idaho. 

Deke loved sports, especially hockey; his favorite team was the New Jersey Devils. His favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, boating, and adoring his family. Deke’s occupation was in the computer electronic industry, primarily with Itron and Servatron in Spokane, Wash. 

Deke is preceded in death by his grandparents, Abe and Ruth Jacobs, of Middlebury and Elmer Frank (Al) Mueller of Las Vegas, Nev. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Mueller; his sons Gage Mueller and Aidan Smith, his parents Richard and Cindra Mueller; and by many beloved members of his extended family in Idaho, Vermont, Wyoming, Nevada, and California. 

Deke has been a light in our lives and this world will not be the same without him. We are thankful for all the time we have been given with him and will cherish it in our hearts forever. 

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m., at Real Life Ministries, 1860 N. Cecil Road, Building 2, Post Falls, ID 83854. 

Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Deke’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.◊