Obituary of Reta Joan Muellemann

Reta Joan Muellemann, 63, of Kansasville, WI, passed away on October 13, 2021. Reta was born October 12, 1958 in Chicago, IL to Frederick Jr. and Sally Rickert. She was a graduate of Zion-Benton Township High School. Reta married Roger Muellemann on October 22, 1977 in Zion, IL and together they raised 2 children. She worked as a Librarian for Christian Life School in Kenosha, WI, was a surgical assistant for Dr. M. Grousd in Waukegan, IL, and also as a surgical assistant for Dr. M. Rosen in Waukegan, IL. Reta was married to Roger, the love of her life, for 44 years and together they were blessed with two incredible children, Melissa and Patrick. Reta was also the oldest of 10 children and loved her brothers and sisters unconditionally. Over the years, as her siblings married, she gained many sisters and brothers-in-law, as well as many nieces, nephews and a grand nephew whom she loved with all her heart. Reta had an incredible passion for horses, beginning with her first horse, Chief, at age 16. She owned 9 horses throughout her lifetime and helped care for even more. Reta’s passion for animals also extended beyond horses and, over the years, she rehabilitated many injured animals and adopted several others. She had an incredible knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology and was always happy to share what she knew with others who needed advice or recommendations for their animals. She loved photography and especially enjoyed taking photographs of horse pulling events held by the Wisconsin Horse Pullers Association. Her creative and artistic spirit also extended to making jewelry, drawing and painting using several different mediums, and creating and painting custom model horses. Reta loved to surround herself with all the things that brought her joy; she was an avid collector of model horses and early American pressed glass. One of her favorite things to do was to take Roger hunting for things to add to her collection at local thrift stores and antique malls. Reta lived an incredible life and will be missed immensely by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Reta is survived by her husband, Roger; children, Melissa (Joshua) Walling, and Patrick Muellemann; and siblings, Richard (Valerie) Rickert, Christopher (Marla) Rickert, Frederick III (Kim) Rickert, Anne (Lee) Fuson, Sara (Joseph) Zelek, Michael (Jennifer) Rickert, Jonathan (Lisa) Rickert, Philip (Melissa) Rickert and Paul (Jennifer) Rickert; nieces and nephews, Meghan, Ryan, Kelly, Rachel, Kyle, Evan, Adam, Cole, Olivia, Calvin, Karley, Steven, Jorryn, Madeline, and Jacob; great-nephew, Brennan; uncle, John Ericson; and aunts, Linda Ericson and Marie Koskey. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; paternal grandparents, Frederick A. Rickert Sr. And Reta L. (Hawkins) Rickert; maternal grandparents, Norman O. Ericson and Ethel Joan (nee George) Ericson; and an aunt Mary (Hawkins) Longman. A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion. Memorial contributions in Reta’s memory may be made to Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue (www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.org).