Carol J. Muller-Dykema

March 1st, 1942 – December 11th, 2023

Carol was not just a loving mother but also a dedicated school teacher who touched the lives of many with her wisdom and boundless kindness.

Survived by her three children: J.R. Muller, Tamara Muller-Hough, and (Angelia Roselynn) Marjorie Muller. They had the privilege of being with her last night, sharing a moment with her before passing this morning. We can only imagine the joyous reunion she will experience with her husband, Robert Muller (Now walking and talking without Cerebral Palsy), and her son, Marc Muller (who passed at age 4 and now would be 48 years old), at the gates of eternity. Carol and Robert’s love story spanned over 50 years, an enduring testament to the power of love. Their tradition of weekly date nights at Tommy Brann’s was a symbol of their deep connection, one that I can only imagine will continue to flourish in heaven. As their son I saw first hand how they both overcame disabilities they each had. Having struggles in life in which they stood by each other no matter what. It was an amazing relationship that survived the test of time. – J.R. Muller her son.

Carol did an piece for the nursing home magazine awhile back as a “spotlight” resident, this is what she wrote.

Childhood:
Carol was born on March Ist, 1942 to Alfred and Tannie in Chicago, Illinois. She is one of four with three younger brothers, her favorite memory from childhood was skating with the brothers.

Education:
Carol attended Rosewood Christian School through the 9th grade. She then went to Chicago Christian High School. After graduating high school she was in the first class at Trinity Christian College which consisted of 20 students and 5 professors. She attended 2 years at Trinity Christian on an academic scholarship where she studied Education and English. She then moved to Michigan and attended Calvin College where she got her Bachelors in Education and English.

Love Story:
Carol met Bob through her room-mate, he was her roommates “favorite cousin”. The day they met he came to help them move. He then had asked Carol if she had ever seen My Fair Lady, which she had not. So Bob took her to see it! About a year after dating on Carol’s birthday, Bob handed her a long box with a dozen red roses. He then asked if he could have one of them back, for his mother. He then handed her a little white box with an engagement ring and told her she could have this instead. They were married on August 5th, 1966 at Alger Park CRC where they went to church. At their wedding, the students from Carol’s class sang for them.

Family:
Carol and Bob started their family in 1969 when their son Jeffery was born. In 1973, they had their second son, Marc (the C was for Carol). When Marc was 4 their family experienced the biggest heartbreak of losing Marc. Marc had a seizure and was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with spiral meningitis. A few years later their son Jeffery suggested they consider adopting. Adoption was something that Carol and Bob were considering and after Jeffery suggested it they decided to go for it. Carol and Bob added two girls to their family, Marjorie (Marjo) Michelle and Tamara Carol.

Work History:
After graduating Carol taught for 2 years in Chicago until she got sick of the big city and moved back to Michigan. In Michigan she taught 4th and 5th grade until she had children. After the kids were in school she returned to the working world and would substitute teach.

Hobbies:
Carol enjoys doing word find puzzles and needle point.

Favorite Food:
Fricano’s Pizza in Grand Haven

Fun Fact:
Carol’s husband was on the committee for the American Disability Act which led Carol to meeting 5 presidents- Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton. He also has past but you can read about him at https://RobertSMuller.com
Carol also knows how to play the piano.

Most Exciting Place you have traveled:
Israel

Best Piece of Advice:
Set good goals for yourself!