CHARLES E. MUELLER

Charles E. Mueller, 65, Dies Thursday, This Morning
AFFLICTION OF HEART CLAIMS CITY’S LEADER
Funeral Services To Be Held Monday At Chapel; Friends Are Shocked At Death
Death at 3 o’clock this morning claimed one of the city’s leading citizens,
Charles E. Mueller, 65, at the home of his brother, E. R. Mueller, 2623
Washington street. He had been in poor health for more than a year but became
seriously ill with a heart affliction a week ago.
He retired 18 years ago from the brewery business, but continued as vice
president and a director of the Bank of Two Rivers. About 35 years ago he
served on the city council and on the water and light commission.
Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Beduhn and
Goetz chapel, with the Rev. Thomas A. Hawkes officiating. Interment will be in
the family lot in Pioneers Rest cemetery.
Born in Two Rivers May 25, 1868, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Mueller,
Mr. Mueller received his education in the public schools and had completed two
years in the high school when he went to Milwaukee in 1885 and took a commercial
course in a business college in that city. Completing his course he studied for
brewmaster under an internationally known professor.
Returning to Two Rivers Mr. Mueller built up a state-wide reputation as a
brewmaster and made the Mueller Brothers Brewing company famous throughout the
territory for its excellent beer. Through him the business became successful in
face of the competition from the Milwaukee breweries which dominated sales in
the state.
Started in 1849
The Mueller brewery was established here in 1849 by Mr. Mueller’s grandfather,
the late Edward Frederick Mueller who came here from Chemnitz, Germany in 1847,
where he held a position of overseer of a brewery and distillery on the estate
of Baron Von Gablentz. He was highly educated and was considered a leading
chemist in that day.
It was Mr. Mueller’s friends in Two Rivers and Manitowoc who persuaded him to
come here and establish a brewery. The business was never very profitable for
him and on several occasions he was tempted to close down his brewery and return
to Germany where he was offered a lucrative position.
When Mr. Mueller, the founder of the brewery, died in 1871, his son Richard E.
Mueller took over the business. As the village developed into a city and the
surrounding country grew, the brewery expanded with it and was constantly being
improved. He died in 1894 and his sons Charles and Edwin became associated in
the management and the brother operated the establishment until Jan. 1, 1915
when it was sold to John J. Eisenbeiss of Chicago. Several years later the name
of the firm was changed to the Two Rivers Beverage company, but it continued to
brew the famous “Golden Drops” beer originated by Mr. Mueller.
After the sale of the brewery Mr. Mueller retired and took charge of the real
estate holdings of the Mueller Bros. company.
While actively engaged in the management of the brewery, Mr. Mueller from 1898
to 1903 served on the city council, and when the municipal water and light plant
was established here, he was appointed to the water and light commission and took
a major part in the management of the plant and the construction of the building.
Mr. Mueller was independent in politics and never strived for high posts.
A public spirited citizen, Mr. Mueller was somewhat of a philanthropist, assisting
scores of Two Rivers persons, but his deeds seldom were made known. He was liberal
in cases where help was needed.
For many years and up to his death Mr. Mueller was vice president and a director
of the Bank of Two Rivers. Through his wise counsel and foresight the banking
establishment was a success.
Fraternally Mr. Mueller was affiliated with the Elks lodge, being one of the
charter members of the organization. For more than a dozen years Mr. Mueller spent
the winter months at Miami, Florida, where he owned property.
Mr. Mueller’s death this morning proved a shock to hundreds of friends in Two
Rivers, particularly his boyhood companions with whom he associated up to his
death. They are Postmaster Conrad Baetz and Charles Kirst, Old timers recall his
“gang” which included the above friends, his brother, Edwin, and George Hallauer,
who now resides at Danville, Ill. He never married.
“Mr. Mueller was a true friend,” said Mr. Baetz, with whom he associated most,
“and he helped many in Two Rivers and never mentioned his philanthropic activities.”
The remains can be viewed at the Beduhn and Goetz chapel from 7 to 9 o’clock
Saturday night and until the time of the funeral Monday afternoon.
Surviving Mr. Mueller are a sister, Mrs. W. S. Bremer of Milwaukee and Edwin R.
Mueller of this city, with whom he made his home.
Manitowoc Herald Times, December 15, 1933 P. 17
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