Müller, Rudi (1927-2003)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2003 Apr 21 p. 11

Birth date: 1927 Mar 8

text of obituary:

RUDI MÜLLER

Rudi Müller, 76, died March 21, 2003, in Enkenbach/Pfalz, Germany. He was born March 8, 1927, in Kirchheim-Bolanden/Pfalz, Germany. On Nov. 20, 1956, he married Friedel Dohm. She preceded him in death in May 2000.

As Pax came to Enkenbach in spring of 1953, so did Rudi Müller come to Pax. A school teacher, he showed interest in and compassion for the young Americans, many of whom were away from home for the first time, and who appreciated assistance in adjusting to everything new in their lives. There was a new culture in new surroundings, and for most a new language, and for all a new regimen of living as a unit and working as a team. He spent practically every weekend involved with some of the Pax workers, going places and doing things.

By the time Pax involvement in Enkenbach ended in 1962, nearly 200 Pax workers were touched by Rudi Müller. He had become active in unit activities and specifically with the Enkenbach Pax choir. When later it became the Enkenbach Mennonite Church Choir, it was under his direction for some years. He was also organist in a nearby community Catholic church. Later, he was honorary president of the Enkenbach Mennonite Chorus.

His love was close to unconditional. This is the way many of us knew him.

On Nov. 30, 1956, he joined the Enkenbach city council, where he remained until his death, the last 14 years as a dedicated and much-loved mayor. Under his leadership, the communities of Enkenbach and Alsenborn merged. He held numerous positions and offices in local, county and state politics, while remaining united politically when it came to youth and their activities in sports organizations. He pioneered the establishment of partnerships of youth organizations in France, England, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Japan and China. He led the German delegation to the Munich Olympics, and was Olympic Village Mayor in Los Angeles and Seoul, South Korea.

Survivors include two sons, Michael and Georg.