Muriel A. Launder

Muriel A. Launder, age 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Oconomowoc, WI, on June 7th, 2025. With sadness yet a sense of peace, she was surrounded by her loving family when she was called to her eternal rest.

She is preceded in death by her parents (Harold and Marcella Morton), brother Jim Morton, and her loving husband of 66 years, Russell A. Launder.

Russ and Muriel met in their Juneau High School Harmony class and, according to husband Russ “…have made beautiful music together ever since.” Muriel attended Marquette University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy/Journalism, and was a member of the Tau Chapter of the Theta Phi Alpha sorority.

Muriel and Russ lived a life of devotion to God through their Catholic faith. Throughout her life, she carried a love of music, culture, art, poetry, nature, storytelling. In addition to her dutiful roles of wife, mother of five, and grandmother, she taught as an elementary school teacher, served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Girl Scout leader, and teacher of Religious Education at St. Bruno’s Parish School in Dousman, WI. She played an especially active roll supporting her children’s involvement in Musical Theater, where she lent her talents as the “prop mistress.” She was a lover and protector of birds and waterfowl and inherited a fondness for flowers and gardening from her mother, Marcella.

Muriel is survived by her children Jim Launder, Kate Launder (Roy Bergold), Mary Launder (Allen Green), Sue Launder-Becker (John), and Christie Nelson (Eric); her 7 grandchildren Amber Sorcic, Lucas and Paul Nelson, Adele and John R. Becker, and Mario and Sonia Launder; her 9 great-grandchildren Collin, Lexi, Camden, Matteo, Everley, Kara, Lydia, Elise, and Reid.

The Family is deeply appreciative of the loving and constant at-home care that she received from her daughter, Christie, son-in-law Eric, and grandson Lucas, as well as the caregivers and staff of Procare Plus, and ProHealth AngelsGrace Hospice, since the passing of husband Russ in 2020. A memorial and celebration of Muriel and Russ’s life together will be held in July.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Russ and Muriel’s honor can be made to the Wildlife in Need Center, at www.helpingwildlife.org, or a charity of your choosing.