Emil William “Bill” Mueller, 77, of San Diego, Calif., died Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at his home.
He was born in Houston, son of Ralph and Blanche Mueller.
He graduated from Houston High School and received degrees from Southwest Baptist College, Baylor University, Southern Theological Seminary and the University of Missouri.
After many years as a missionary in Liberia, West Africa, he studied clinical psychology at the U.S. International University in San Diego, Calif. He studied massage at the L.A. College of Massage in San Diego and in 1976 established the Mueller College of Holistic Studies, which he owned and directed until 2004. He continued teaching at the school through 2009.
He continued his research into the body-mind connection and wrote a book about his methods. His approach to teaching became known as the “Mueller Method.” Mueller College became one of the top massage schools in the country and was known internationally. He held high office in and received several awards from the American Massage Therapy Association, was president of the California Massage Therapy Association from 1978 to 1991 and was an advisor to the CMTA board until his death.
He also maintained an active massage practice as long as his health permitted.
Survivors include a son, Dr. Charles Mueller of Houston; two daughters, Rebecca Huner and Charlotte Mueller of Fort Collins, Colo.; a sister, Omanez Fockler of Houston; a brother, Dwight Mueller of Grant City; and four grandsons.
A memorial service is Thursday, March 11. Mueller College will have further details.
My deepest regards to Bill’s family for their loss. In 1986 I worked for Bill as his administrator for the school. Taking on an apprenticeship position I learned the Mueller Method as he understood it to be. Eventually I became a teacher for some of the programs. What I had learned early on has had such an amazing impact in the world today. He was a great influence in my life. Lani Kidman