William Fred Mueller

William Fred Mueller, 64, a Gardnerville resident for the past 17 years, died Dec. 20, 2004, at his home. He was born Oct. 19, 1940, in New York to William F. Sr. and Jane Rich Mueller.

He attended New Hampton High School in New Hampton, N.H., and the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colo.

Before moving to Gardnerville, he lived in Hemet, Calif., and East Hampton, N.Y.

Mr. Mueller was a corporate pilot for 20 years and worked as a computer network engineer for 20 years.

He was a member of the Minden Airport Association, Sierra Intermountain Emergency Radio Association, the Soaring Society of America, the Academy of Model Aeronautics and MENSA. He held commercial ratings in gliders, hot air balloons, fixed-wing prop and jet aircraft, seaplanes and helicopters. Until recently, he flew gliders and was a glider tow pilot at Minden-Tahoe Airport.

As an avid U.S. Practical Shooting Association member, he reached Master Class standing in competitive pistol shooting and as a ham radio enthusiast, he held an "Extra" license.

He served in the U.S. Air Force reserves.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Among his survivors are his wife, Sally, of Gardnerville; mother of Santa Barbara, Calif.; children Susan Mueller of Sacramento, William D. Mueller of Marysville, Calif., Kim Mueller Lewis of Edinboro, Pa., Scott Darran of San Diego and Jay Darran of Mobile, Ala.

A celebration of life will be at a later date. Cremation will be at FitzHenry's Crematory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. FitzHenry's Carson Valley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.