Mary E. Mueller

Mary Eleanor Sing Mueller, 97, of Winona, MN, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at Sugar Loaf Senior Living.

Mary was born November 3, 1928, to Mao Ah and Eleanor (Mehringer) Sing in Quincy, Illinois. The second of six children, Mary spent the majority of her young life in the Fountain City area. She graduated from Fountain City High School in 1946. After graduation, Mary worked briefly for Boland Plastics before marrying Robert Haag of Fountain City, WI in 1950; they later divorced. To this marriage, one son, Robert Jon, was born. During this time, Mary worked at Wally’s Supper Club as a waitress. She held this job for many years.

In 1973, Mary married Herb Lea and they resided in Winona, MN. During this time Mary worked as a waitress at Linahan’s. She and Herbie enjoyed golf, playing cards, and socializing at many Winona establishments where they developed numerous friendships over the years. Mary lost Herb to cancer in 1990.

Mary later worked at Lake Center Industries. In 1997, she married Robert Mueller. Together they built a new twin home on 5th Street near Westfield Golf Course where they continued to pursue their shared interest in golf and also were active in their church. After Bob’s death from cancer in 2005, Bob’s sons continued looking after Mary; their concern was appreciated by both Mary and her family.

While Mary lost her only child to a tragic auto accident at the young age of 17, she spent her life serving as a de facto mother, aunt and grandmother to her many nephews and nieces and their children. Mary also enjoyed watercolor painting, fine and costume jewelry, and vibrant colored clothing.

Mary dealt with the many adversities in her life with grace and dignity; she persevered using her sense of humor, sharp wit, quiet faith, and most notably through the strong and mutual love she shared with her only sister, Frances Burt. Theirs was a bond established at a young age, authentically manifested out of necessity and love. In Mary’s later years, she was fortunate to be able to take a once-in-a-lifetime houseboat trip on Lake Powell with all of her siblings (and Rinda Sing) hosted by Rick and Kristy Sing. Rick, Kristy and Roberta Sing also took Mary, Frances, and Joyce on a fantastic trip to Hawaii in 2020.

Mary is survived by her sister, Frances Burt; sister-in-law, Joyce Sing; nephews and nieces: Rick (Kristy) Sing, Roxanne Sing, Roberta Sing, Rinda Sing, Curt Sing, Colette (Tim) Farthing, Wendy Sing, Susanne (Ray Gries) Sing, Germaine Bray, Petra (Robby) Edmonson, Thomas Sing, Kris Ferguson, Brian (Linda) Sing, Mike (Brenda) Sing, Wayne (Irene) Sing, Tim (Rosemary) Burt, Brenda Burt, Deb Merchlewitz, and David Earney; and step-children: Bob (Laurel) Mueller, Anita Mueller, Carol (Roger) Buege, and Heidi (Mark) Meyer.

She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Jon Haag; husbands: Robert Haag, Herb Lea, and Robert Mueller; brothers and sisters-in-law: Richard (Joannie), Robert (Roma), Edward, and Frank (Rita); niece, Renee Earney; nephews, Quinten Sing, Dan Burt, and Steve Sing; and step-son, Craig Mueller.

Mary was a confident woman who was always happy to share her opinions. She was a beautiful soul who lived a full life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held at St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 766 W. Wabasha St., Winona, on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11:30 AM. The Reverend Winfried Schroeder will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks for donations to St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church of Winona, or to a charity of your choice in Mary’s name.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Mary’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.