Ronald Henry Muecke

Ronald H. Muecke of Bellevue, WA, passed away February 2, 2023. Ron was born in Dickinson, ND in 1936 to Henry, Jr. and Clara Muecke. Growing up he lettered in Track, Football and Band and was also a member of the Speech and Dramatics Club while at Dickinson High School. Graduating early, he spent his senior year taking classes at North Dakota State University. Joining the Navy in 1954 he was assigned to and qualified on the USS Cutlass as a submariner. After completing his enlistment, he then moved to Seattle, married Carol Morris in 1957 and got his Bachelor of Zoology degree in 1961 from the University of Washington. As a Senior Systems Data Analyst, Computer Programmer, and trainer, he worked for IBM, Chevron, Bank of America and Standard Oil. Although he worked hard, he will be remembered for instilling a sense of humor, patient attention to details and the love of the Great Outdoors in his kids. Active in mountain climbing, his resume includes 22 summits of Mt. Rainier and international summits of Kilimanjaro and Popocatepetl. He was member of the 1962 Century 21 Denali Expedition and the leader of the 1971 Pioneer Traverse Expedition on Denali which recorded the first North/South Traverse via Pioneer Ridge. He was also a member of the Everett Mountain Rescue. He summited Mt. St. Helens in 1958 and then again in 2010, at the age of 74. Another love included soccer and he participated as a player, coach and youth referee for the Lake Hills Soccer Club. In later years he enjoyed watching the Seattle Sounders and several teams in the EPL. His well-rounded life also included being on the Board of Directors at the Overlake School, acting as chief navigator for Ross’ RAAM Bicycle Race and multiple cross country road trips with Carol, Natalie and Larina. He enjoyed international travel to exotic locations with Carol. Photography, cross-country skiing and mushroom foraging were other hobbies he enjoyed. Ron trained for and ran a marathon, missing a turn on the course, running two additional miles and still taking first place in his age group! Never one to pass up an opportunity for a horseback ride, he rode at recent family reunions in Montana and Wyoming. He enjoyed The Moody Blues, oysters, anything that could be cooked on the grill and was handy at designing online cards for all occasions and tinkering around on his vehicles. He was a “Man of Few Words” and “Quit crying or I will give you something to cry about” and “Pull my finger” were a few of the gems his kids remember. He was most at peace in the mountains or at his cabin at Boulder Creek, passing the time with family and friends. When asked what he most wanted to remembered by, he said, “As a Good Guy.” Well, we all agree he was! He is survived by his wife, Carol, children Alison (Joel), Ross (Sammi), Natalie (Tony) and Larina (Bob), three grandchildren Brandon (Tarah), Alexander and Xavier and his extended California family of Don, Les, Mike, Sue, Alexis and Victoria. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry, Jr. and Clara Muecke and his sister, Ramona. Donations in Ron’s memory can be made to the Everett Mountain Rescue at https://everettmountainrescue.org/donate/ or to the Lake Hills Soccer Club Scholarship Program by sending a check to: LHSC PO Box 6744 Bellevue, WA 98008, or by contacting: info@lakehillssoccer.org for electronic donation information. A family memorial service to celebrate Ron’s life will take place this Spring at the Memorial Garden at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church and a Celebration of Life will occur in the future – timing TBD.