Heinrich "Henry" Mueller
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Heinrich “Henry” Mueller on the evening of May 17th 2025, after a long battle with mixed Dementia at Fairvern Nursing Home at the age of 93.
Henry was born on March 1st 1932 in Heidelberg, Germany. He was predeceased by his wife Theresia (STUBENVOLL) (2011) and daughter, Edith EARL (2002). He is survived by daughter, Doris (David) DANN and another daughter, Brigitte. He was Opa to six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
The journey Dad endured with mixed dementia was a long one. Through it all, MY family really learned just how strong Dad (Opa) was and how deep his desire to live was. The changes over the years were immense, but he never lost his sense of humour or the ability to enjoy a good laugh.
As his disease progressed and we could no longer care for him safely, he was welcomed with open arms, hearts and love by all the staff at Fairvern Nursing Home. I didn’t have to be his caregiver anymore, instead, I could once again be just his daughter. As my Dad transitioned over time, and we were no longer recognized by him, my family was comforted in knowing that he was happy and safe with his new family at Fairvern for almost 13 years. We cannot express how grateful we are for all the love, support and healthcare you gave him. You are all Angels. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I’m sure you will never forget Henry’s little sly grin, twinkle in his eye, and his big smile.
Henry and Theresia moved to Huntsville along with their 3 daughters in June of 1967 when they purchased Mineral Springs Resort just off of South Waseosa Lake Road. My parents had a dream . . . they wanted to build a place, a place for children with severe disabilities. Both had previously worked in what was then called “mental institutions”, my mom as a nurse’s aid and my Dad in maintenance. Their dream was to create a more relaxed-family atmosphere and thus in 1969, their dream became a reality when they received their licence for 17 beds, and Lakewood Nursing Home was officially open. My Dad was amazing, he built the Home in a German style chalet you would see in Bavaria, Germany or the Austrian Alps. He built it all by himself, including the electric and plumbing. They had no money and received no grants to take on this dream. Dad always said that it was only possible with the trust and generosity by certain local suppliers who were willing to provide the material and wait for payment. These suppliers included Jack Stenabaugh from Acme Planing Mills, Parrot’s Plumbing and Heating, O’Neil Electric Supply Ltd and Huntsville Glass Ltd. Over time, Lakewood took on many additions and more patients. He remained loyal to these suppliers during all his other builds throughout the years.
In 1980 they sold Lakewood Nursing Home, but unfortunately the new owners did not continue with the same commitment and eventually its’ doors closed and was abandoned for many years. This had a profound impact on my parents.
In 1980 my parents purchased a motorhome and travelled for several years throughout Canada, USA, and Mexico. They fell in love with the Mexican people and continued to travel there every year with a motorhome full of clothes, bedding, medical supplies, wheelchairs and on one occasion, a cement mixer!! My Dad had a heart of gold, and he wanted to surprise a small village by building an auto garage for them to repair their cars. They also helped the tiny hospital with repairs and outfitted the hospital with all the items that were stuffed in every corner of their motorhome. The people of the village were so grateful for all that my parents gave.
Later in his life my Dad handcrafted armoires and blanket boxes from solid cherry, pine and oak boards, from trees that he cut from his property, now known as Mineral Springs Estates Development. He painstakingly hand painted each with unique Bavarian artistry and completed with genuine German hardware. Several pieces have been donated to Fairvern Nursing Home, which we hope will transition to their new facility in “Memory of Henry MUELLER”
Dear Dad,
You taught me so much in my life. The meaning of hard work, integrity, compassion and forgiveness. I am so proud of you for all your accomplishments. Your legacy will continue, the apple didn’t fall from the tree. I am so proud to be my father’s daughter. I love you forever. Rest in Peace xoxo with love, Doris
Dear Henry,
You welcomed me into your family and treated me not as a son in law, but as a son. You took me under your wing and taught me everything you knew about carpentry. I miss the hours we spent around the table talking about, history, geography, religion to name a few. You were a very wise man that I admired and respected. Forever in my heart, sincerely Dave.
Dear Opa
I have so many fond memories of our time together. I remember as a young child watching you meticulously paint the beautiful wood furniture that you crafted with your own two hands and being so proud that my Opa built that. I remember our numerous truck rides to Jug City in Huntsville to get a Coke and a Shopsy’s with Andrew, when it was time to take a break. One of my favourite memories is of sitting beside you on your couch watching cartoons every Saturday morning. If only we could turn back time! You showed me through example, perseverance and determination, and what it means to have integrity, to work hard and take pride in all my accomplishments. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. You taught me that, Opa!! Although you are no longer with me in person, I will carry the memories we created together in my heart forever. I love you Opa, hugs Andrea
Dear Opa,
You were a very big part of my life growing up. I remember listening to you and dad talking about history, religion and firsthand experiences you had during and after the war in Germany. Oh, how I wish we could sit down and talk more. I would love to hear your perspective on events happening around us today. You taught me how to read a tape measure, and to never give up on my dreams. I can still hear you say, “Don’t ever say it can’t be done, there’s always a way.”; “work smarter, not harder”; I live by those sayings everyday. I miss you Opa . . . Love, Andrew
Dear Uhr (great) Opa,
We are so sad that you passed away. You were always so excited when we would come for a visit. You would get sheets of paper and make airplanes for us. You took us out to the garden at Fairvern and would show us the beautiful flowers and the nature around us. You were so happy to have us around you. You had the biggest smile. We will miss you Love, Emily, Lucas and Angelina
My Dad was a kind and compassionate soul and will be greatly missed by all that loved him.
In keeping with Henry’s wishes, there will be no formal gathering. Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the “Friends of Fairvern” would be greatly appreciated, please go online to Friends of Fairvern and follow the prompts to donate oer donations may be dropped of at the Funeral Home..
REST IN PEACE
YOUR WORK HERE IS DONE
WE WILL CARRY ON YOUR LEGACY
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN