Anne Fitzstevens Mueller

Anne Fitzstephens Mueller 1952 – 2017
Springfield, IL—Anne Fitzstephens Mueller, 65, of Springfield, passed away at her home in Springfield, Illinois on Sunday, November 19, 2017.

Anne was born in Hays, Kansas on March 5, 1952 to Mildred Caroline (Beck) Fitzstephens and Emmett William (Bill, “Fitz”) Fitzstephens, who both preceded her in death. She was the eldest of five siblings, who survive. They are Janet Louise Fitzstephens of Casper, Wyoming; Barbara Susan Wirth of Casper (her son Ryan and his wife Jennifer of Sour Lake, Texas, and their children, Jaxsen, Rylee, Baxter and Brynn); Mary Elizabeth Plum (husband Steve Plum) of Casper and daughter, Shayne Elyse Braun; and Daniel Joseph Fitzstephens (children, Lilla “Sam” and Bluin) of Lyons, Colorado. She was also preceded in death by a nephew, Arron Lee Wirth of Casper.

Anne was raised in Plainville, Kansas and then moved with the family to El Dorado, Kansas and finally to Casper, where she graduated from Kelly Walsh High School in 1970 and then attended Casper College, earning her Associate of Arts degree, before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wyoming in Laramie in 1975.

She was a talented and accomplished writer, who earned her living as a journalist as well as in commercial and magazine writing. She worked for KVOC Radio, the Wyoming Rural Electric Association, KATI and KAWY Radio, and KTWO Radio, all in Casper. She met Phillip “Doc” Mueller while working at KATI and they were married September 27, 1980; he survives.
They moved to Springfield, Illinois in 1985 where she worked for the Interstate News Services covering the General Assembly and later in public affairs and as a writer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, from which she retired.

Anne had a keen wit, a great sense of humor and a vibrant personality. She loved her family, and was a close friend to all her in-laws. She was a great friend, especially to a close group of neighbors along her street, where she was instrumental in helping to organize the State Street Block Party for more than 20 years. And she loved animals, particularly her dogs, from her family pet Misty, through the six shelter beagles she lovingly adopted and cared for through their lives (Barney, Maggie, Rowdy, Sadie, Fargo and
Della).

She thought deeply and supported the rights of those who had less than she.

And she disliked clowns.

Anne died from breast cancer. She was given gentle and warm care by Simmons Cancer Center and Memorial Hospice, as well as BrightStar Care.

Cremation rites were accorded by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home. There will be no formal services. A reception and memorial celebration of Anne’s life will be held at the Inn at 835 in Springfield on a date to be announced for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anne’s name to the Casper Humane Society, 849 East “E” St., Casper, WY 82601, email: [email protected].