Age 80, passed away on September 20, 2024. Jerry was a retired career firefighter who dedicated his service to the City of St. Louis. A multi-talented athlete, he also had a distinguished career as a professional soccer player, playing for both the Houston Stars and the St. Louis Stars. His passion for sports was evident throughout his life, starting with his early success in baseball. In 1962, he led Post No. 299, St. Louis (Anheuser-Busch) to victory in the American Legion World Series, defeating Honolulu in the finals by limiting them to only four hits as a pitcher.
A proud graduate of Cleveland High School, Jerry was honored on their Wall of Fame in 2016 as a Dutchman of Excellence in Sports. He also was inducted into the Amateur St. Louis Baseball Hall of Fame, the Amateur St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame, and the Amateur Softball Hall of Fame. Besides playing sports, talking sports with his fellow 1-2-3 Club members was also a favorite pastime. His love for sports was instilled by his father, Emmett “Heine” Mueller, a major leaguer who began his professional career with the St. Louis Cardinals organization as a 15 year old and made a memorable debut with the Phillies, homering his first at bat.
Jerry’s athletic journey took him from Immaculate Heart of Mary to Cleveland High School and on to Nicholls State University, where he received a baseball scholarship and was named MVP in his freshman year. Back in St. Louis he became a familiar face at the handball courts in Forest Park and Francis Park, continuing to participate in the sports he loved throughout his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Susie, his daughter Michelle (Jim) Sprick, and his cherished grandchildren Sarah, Heidi, and Jimmy Sprick. Jerry’s legacy of dedication, sportsmanship, and love for family will be remembered by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The BackStoppers (backstoppers.org) in Jerry’s memory. Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton on Monday, September 30, 12:30 pm until Service 2:00 pm, with burial immediately following at Sunset Burial Park.
Jerry was always dedicated to sports. I had the honor of being one of his best friends and playing with him on baseball and soccer teams in our early years at Immaculate Heart of Mary grade school/within our high school days and beyond. I can remember many of days we would grab a bag of baseballs and bats the two of us and head to the Greens Park just to pitch and hit for hours. He will be missed, my prayers are with him. Carl
Jerry was a great competitor and a great friend! He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. God bless his family who took such great care of him. Susie and Michelle are angels.
When I was a kid Jerry was married to my aunt Susan. She took us to the St. louis Stars games. Jerry lived up the street from us on Holly Hills and would come to the park and play baseball with us. I would also go to the college with him and run stairs to build legs. Jerry was a cool guy and very inspiration person, he always had a positive attitude! He will be missed!
I knew Jerry Mueller because I played sports,baseball with Johnny Mueller. And remembered how Jerry would tease his younger brothers into being better athletes. The whole Mueller family is a collection of some of the finest athletes that have ever played any sport. Jerry was the leader of all those athletes, including the young – sisters. Jerry Mueller was a fantastic baseball player, an awesome soccer player, an incredible handball player in fact any sport that he put his legs and hands to was a better one because of him playing it.
Thank you so much for sharing these memories of Jerry. It means a lot to our family, especially Jerry’s young grandson, who has natural athletic ability just like Jerry.
Hope to see you soon!
Susie,
I was saddened to hear of your husbands passing and send my condolences. I was told you have been a wonderful care giver at his time of need, which comes as no surprise to those of us who know you. May time help heal the sorrow and memories sustain you.
Terry,
Thank you for your kind words. We were fortunate to have you in our class. Sharing the senior superlative honor with you (cutest smile) has inspired me to maintain exceptional dental hygiene! All kidding aside, lifelong friends like you are a true blessing.
By the way, I recently came across some old yearbook pictures I hadn’t seen before — what a blast from the past! It’s amazing to look back on all those memories. Go Cougars!
Thank you for remembering Jerry; the huge turnout at the funeral home for his wake was such a testament to the impact he had on so many. Seeing all his former teammates come together was incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of his athletic success and the bonds he formed.
Wishing you and your family all the best.
Take care,
I knew Jerry , when he came into Schnucks main office. I loved talking baseball and soccer with him. He sure knew a lot about the history of those sports . I really never knew he was such a great player.