In-Focus Club Newsletter Elaine Dyke, Editor
Paul Mueller - 09.17.1932 - 04.25.2021
Paul was born in Moline, Il. As a young boy, one of his brothers and he joined the Quad Cities Archeological Society, searching for clues to the history of the land around the Rock River. Their archeological digs uncovered remains of Indian habitation and prehistoric animals, which set Paul on a lifetime journey of searching the earth for its story.
He graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, then completed his Master’s Degree at Washington State University. His thesis for that degree was based upon living alone for 2 months in the mountains of Colorado, sometimes walking 20 miles a day to record his findings.
His first job was assessing a copper ore deposit on the top of a mountain as a geologist. His next job was with Atlantic Richfield where he was in charge of oil exploration in the Wyoming Powder River Basin.
Then, he took a job teaching Earth Science at Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois. (His brother taught at Auburn High School) His personal experiences in the mountains and knowledge of geology inspired an estimated 6125 students over the many years that he taught.
When he wasn’t teaching, Paul spent his time traveling, especially to his property on the west edge of Glacier National Park, Montana. He always had his camera with him to record his view of this beautiful world in which we live. He was a skilled snow skier, hiker, and loved the out of doors. His interest in photography led him to join the Rockford Lens and Shutter Club, Pixel People, and the Rockford Photo Club where he exhibited his original images that he created on his computer and printed for numerous competitive shows.
His family and friends miss Paul’s presence. He lived a full, honest life, possessing a positive outlook and had a great sense of humor. His photographic art prints represent his interest and knowledge of many topics. He collected fossils, grew trees, walked many miles in numerous terrains, climbed mountains, traveled to Alaska, and his camera images tell his story.
SEE ATTACHED FLYER about a one day only show and sale of Paul’s Photographic Art Prints. September 24, 2022
Membership Drive! Know a friend or someone interested in the Art of Photography? Invite them to a meeting to see what happens here! They will find an enthusiastic group of people interested in developing their photographic skills and enjoying learning more and more about photography from fellow members and guest lecturers at every meeting. Confused by all those dials and buttons on that new camera, team up with a Member Mentor to master your equipment. We offer all skill levels in photography. This is the place for them to be! So don't be shy! Invite them to join us to share the fun of learning photography together! Visit the Membership Page for all the details.