Joseph D. Mueller
June 13, 1971 – July 26, 2023
In the early hours of July 26, 2023 Joe passed away peacefully in his sleep ending his nearly 2-year battle with colorectal cancer. Joe fought his cancer with every ounce of his being and will be remembered by all those who knew and loved him for his bravery and determination.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Cynthia (Hartman) and their two sons Owen and Eli, along with his father Raymond (Betty) Mueller, his siblings Ann (Dan) Adolphson, Ray (Jennifer) Mueller, Mary (James) Miller, Pat (Janette) Mueller, Jeanie (Tim) Kunz, his in-laws Joe and Ginny Hartman, and brother and sister in-laws Joe (Lori) Hartman, John Hartman, Debbie (Rob) Phillips, Mark (Jeanna) Hartman, Beanie Hartman, and Toph (Kelly) Hartman. Joe was so loved by his family and adored by his 28 nieces and nephews and 8 great-nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his mother Helen (Gerst) Mueller and niece Miranda Mueller.
Joe was born June 13, 1971, in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended St. Timothy Catholic School, Bishop DuBourg High School, and then went on to receive multiple Associate Degrees from Forest Park Community College in Hospitality Studies, including degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts. Joe followed his love of the culinary arts and worked to establish a career filled with awards a recognition any culinarian would envy and admire. Following long-tenured employment at Westwood Country Club and The Gatesworth, he eventually became the Executive Chef at Racquet Club Ladue. It was here that he grew not only his culinary expertise, but his leadership and management skills as well. Joe provided irreplaceable mentorship to countless young culinarians throughout his years as a chef. He spent most of his career involved in the local St. Louis Chef de Cuisine chapter and always worked to give back to a profession and industry that had always given him so much. Joe never boasted about his accomplishments as a chef, but his dedication to his craft and to his staff were unparalleled.
Regardless of the numerous awards and recognitions Joe received for his culinary excellence, his greatest accomplishments were not to be found in any kitchen in town. His greatest pride and joy were his two boys. He was so proud to be their dad and even more proud of the young men they are turning into. While Joe will be missed by all who knew and loved him, it is his boys who will miss having him around for their fishing adventures, soccer or baseball games in the backyard, building things in the garage, cooking lessons, competitive family game nights or dirt bike rides the most. There is no denying that Joe led by example to show Owen and Eli the importance of a hard work ethic, strong family bonds, and loyalty to friends.
Joe was an avid fan of all things St Louis sports. He loved enjoying cold beers with friends or family while cheering on the Blues, St. Louis City SC, Battlehawks and especially the Cardinals.
Thank you to the medical team, led by Dr. Suresh, and staff at Siteman Cancer Center for the knowledge and time spent trying to find treatment options for Joe. The compassion and care were always top notch, and Joe always felt he was genuinely cared about. Thank you also to the medical staff at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, NY, led by Dr. Freilich and Dr. Beechy, for the amazing care Joe received until his last breath. We are thankful for the gracious support and care provided to our precious Joe all throughout his cancer journey.
Funeral will be held at Fri., August 4, 11:00am at St. Catherine Laboure (9740 Sappington Rd., 63128) with the burial following the mass at Oak Hill Cemetery (10301 Big Bend Rd., 63122). Please plan to join family in celebrating Joe’s life at a reception immediately following the burial at Racquet Club Ladue (1600 Log Cabin Lane, 63124).
I’m so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I loved his smile. I’m sorry not to be able to attend services as I will be out of town.
I’ll always remember him as the chef who always said “Let’s do it”
Once again, so sorry
My first memory of Chef Joe was sitting down next to him at an after party for his Chef of the Year win and congratulating him.
Never boastful, Chef Joe was a compassionate and passion filled mentor who would stay late into the night while myself and a competition teammate utilize his kitchen for practice. He would always say hello at meetings and events and was an all around great person to know.
My deep condolences to Cynthia and his sons for his passing. You will be missed Chef.
The last time I saw Joe was at schlaflys where he and other chefs participated in. The boys Eli and Owen were there to help dad with his culinary expertise. Joe was a great guy and when you met him it was as if you’ve known him forever. He was kind and always greeted you with warmth and kindness. His boys and Cynthia were his life.
Joe you will be missed at all the family functions at moo moos house. May you rest in peace.
Even as a Receptionist at the Racquet Club Ladue, Chef Joe’s work ethic for perfection made me want to achieve that when putting together various menus. He had to approve them before going to print. He had to edited my work quite often yet He was extremely patient with me. I will never forget when he return a menu draft of mine with a star drawn on it. Finally, no mistakes. Cynthia, now that star is up in Heaven shining brightly down on you and boys. Sincerely, Keith R. Buckner
Joe’s sense humor still has me laughing to this day! One of the most positive and humbled Chef’s I have known. He is someone we should all try and be. I wish my best for his family and friends.
Cynthia!
We are so terribly sorry about Joe! We were out of town with Sarah and Beth.
There are no words to say but that we are sooo sorry.
I know you and your darling boys will get tons of prayers said for you.
Praying that you find some peace.
He was too young.
Joanne and Jeff Schumacher