At his core, Stephan Mueller, who passed away Sunday, February 26 at the age of 63, was an artist. Born in Basel, Switzerland on May 16, 1959, Stephan– known by his family, colleagues, and many friends just as Steve– moved through his entire life as an individualist, driven by a sense of boundless creativity.

After his family immigrated to New Jersey in 1966, Steve entered the Toms River school system, where he learned English and collected a dedicated, debaucherous group of friends, many of whom he remained in touch with throughout his life.

In 1988, Steve founded Signdesign, a small sign shop that would eventually be based out of his family home in Island Heights, New Jersey. Signdesign provided artwork for countless businesses up and down the Jersey Shore and beyond, quickly establishing Steve as a cutting-edge designer and expert painter. He famously drove his white 1995 Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck to nearly every job he ever had.

Apart from his artistic sensibilities, a documented love of music and live performance, and a heart for invention, Steve was also an accomplished athlete. He was a lifeguard at Island Beach State Park for ten years, ran the Boston, New York, and Philadelphia marathons (among others), and was an avid cyclist and rower.

In his later years, he threw himself into his hobbies and personal projects. He had a spectacularly green thumb, a massive collection of vinyl records, and an impressive skill for flying drones, which he particularly liked to do in the field next to the Island Heights post office. He continued to create art and think up ideas for new ventures while listening to jazz too loudly. He was a voracious reader. He loved the New York Rangers, the Grateful Dead, and his family. He passed in his home, surrounded by his life’s work and all of the things he cherished.

Stephen Mueller is survived by his wife Gretchen and his two children, Juliet Rose and Jonas Rene, whom he adored. He is also survived by his sister, Iris Mueller, as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Sonia and Jacques Mueller.

A celebration of life will be held this Saturday, March 4 in his workshop at 206 Lake Avenue in Island Heights, beginning at 2:00 in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation directly to the family as they navigate any after-life affairs. 

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