Mueller named honorary marshal for Lilac Parade

The Lilac Parade committee had an easy time choosing this year’s grand marshal, as one name stood out in the minds of everyone making the decision.

Bill Mueller.

The late Mueller’s wife, Eileen, and daughters, Donna Fruehe and Debbie Rapata, will ride at the beginning of the parade in the longtime leader’s honor. They will carry with them a collection of photos of Mueller, who was Lombard’s longest-serving village president from 1993 to his death in August 2012.

“The village lost a great friend and leader last August,” said Erica Fisette, parade committee chairwoman. “The parade was one of his favorite events.”

Eileen Mueller said she and her daughters feel honored by the opportunity to represent their husband and father in the parade, an event he always will be part of in spirit.