Obituary of Wilbur Henry Muller

WILBUR H. MULLER (March 30, 1930 – November 20, 2023)

 

Wilbur H. “Wil” Muller of Hilton Head Island passed away on November 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

A proud native of New Jersey, Wil grew up in Roseland. He graduated from West Caldwell High School, and earned a BA from Franklin and Marshall College and an MBA from Rutgers University. He served in the United States Navy, 1953-1956, with sea duty as the Executive Officer of the USS Lamoille River (LSMR-512).  For over 30 years he worked for the Prudential Insurance Company of America.

Wil excelled at many things—tennis, paddle ball, stamp collecting, carpentry, and gardening. But his passion was his family.  He married Carol Elizabeth Elsener on May 23, 1959, and they settled in New Providence, NJ. They have three sons, who he encouraged to pursue their individual passions and interests. He instilled in them his high standards, sense of fairness and justice, work ethic, good judgment, and above all kindness. 

After his retirement from the “Pru,” Wil and Carol moved to Hilton Head Island in 1996 and never looked back.  Wil loved tennis, the family cats, the Dodgers, Captiva Island, world travel, their many friends, volunteering at the Bargain Box, tending his plot at the HHP Farm, and especially his wife, his sons, their wives, and his granddaughter. The annual family Christmas gathering was the highlight of his year.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Anna Muller, and his older brother Richard A. Muller.  He is survived by Carol, his wife of 64 years; three sons, Richard R. Muller (Cindy), Robert D. Muller (Happy Rhodes), and Stephen J. Muller (Denise Mitchell); his granddaughter, Lauren A. Muller; and his younger brother, Donald C. Muller. 

A memorial and celebration of life will take place this coming spring.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Bargain Box (www.thebargainboxofhiltonhead.org), The Deep Well Project (www.deepwellproject.org), or the charity of your choice. 

Islandfuneralhome.com