Leo Mueller

Clair Leo Mueller, 85, of Fairfield, MT peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 16th, 2026. Clair lived his life as a testament to the Lord, and we surrender him to God's mercy with heavy but grateful hearts.

Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday May 6th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fairfield.

Clair, affectionately known as Leo or "Butch" to the Mueller family, was born to Leo Ernest and Phyllis (Tenneson) Mueller on September 23rd, 1940, in Madison, Minnesota. After he was born, his family moved to Hollywood, CA where his father attended welding school and worked for Lockheed Aircraft. In California, his younger sister Shirley was born. When his father was drafted into World War II, the Mueller family moved to Revillo, SD and then Battle Lake, MN where they raised crops, turkeys, and Herefords for 15 years. 

Leo graduated from Battle Lake High School in 1958 and enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1959 to 1970 as an Aircraft Propeller Technician. While on active duty, Leo traveled extensively across the United States and abroad. In July of 1962, Leo married Nancy Schrader of Augusta, MT and they welcomed their daughter, Rachel Rose, the following January. While stationed in Prestwick, Scotland, UK, the couple welcomed a son, Russell Anthony, in December of 1964. Leo received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in June of 1970, and the family moved back to Montana, settling in Fairfield. He became a valuable and integrated member of the community joining the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, Teton County EMS Department and served as the Public Works Superintendent; ensuring the roads, parks and public water system were well maintained. Leo retired from the town after 30 years but could always be found volunteering to help where needed - raking the city park, painting, filling potholes, and performing maintenance on the public pool. He had immense pride in his community and an unmatched work ethic, often burning the midnight oil well into the early morning hours. In 2011, Leo was named "Gentleman of the Bench" for the annual Swim Day event and parade in Fairfield; an honor bestowed upon long-time residents who generously contributed to the betterment of the community.

Leo was a faithful parishioner and devoted servant of Christ at St. John's, where he served as the treasurer, conducted building and grounds maintenance, gifted and installed the baptismal font, among several other contributions. An avid outdoorsman, he deeply enjoyed fishing, hunting, maintaining his infamous rose garden and spending time with his family camping, barbequing, or playing cards and board games. His favorite fishing or camping lakes and reservoirs were Willow Creek, Pishkun, Gibson, and Lake Frances.

Leo is survived by his children: Rachel Howard of Fairfield, MT and Russell (Robin) Mueller of Fairfield, MT; sister: Sr. Shirley Mueller, of Little Falls, MN; former spouse: Nancy (Schrader) Mueller of Fairfield, MT; grandchildren: Simone (Steven) Howard Douglas of Washington, DC, William (Hannah) Howard of Great Falls, MT, Jenny (Jeremiah) Gulick of Fairfield, MT, Samuel (Janet) Dalton of Choteau, MT, and Nathan (Katy) Dalton of Fairfield, MT; and several cherished great-grandchildren. Leo was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents: Leo Ernest and Phyllis Mueller; and his beloved companion: Gwendolyn Fassett.

The Rite of Committal will follow Mass at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Afterwards, Leo's family invites the community to attend a luncheon at the center across the street from the church, in honor of his life of service. Active pallbearer: Russell Mueller; Honorary pallbearers: Simone Howard, William Howard, Jenny Gulick, Samuel Dalton, Nathan Dalton, Zachary Ramsay, and Jordan Schroeder. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Ernie Thorn Memorial Pool in Fairfield, MT.

We, Leo's family, will sorely miss him but find solace in knowing he has reached the calmest waters in the arms of his Creator, and the catch is ever plentiful.
Psalm 91:11 "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways."

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.