Longtime Utah broadcaster Phil Mueller dies

Longtime Utah broadcaster Phil Mueller dies

(Jeff Richards)


1 photo
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

BLANDING, San Juan County — Longtime news journalist and radio broadcaster Phil Mueller, 72, died at his home in Blanding on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, after a five-and-a-half year battle with colon cancer.

Mueller passed away peacefully that afternoon surrounded by family members, according to Lou Mueller, his wife of 37 years.

Born in 1943 in Minnesota, Phil Mueller grew up in Denver, Colorado, where he began working at local radio stations while still in high school. His storied career in broadcasting included stints as a reporter, news director, operations manager, and/or consultant at a number of radio stations in several states, including KSL in Salt Lake City.

He owned and operated the KUTA radio station in Blanding from 1987 until it closed in 2002, after which he joined the staff of KCYN/KCPX in Moab, becoming its general manager soon afterward and working in that position for 14 years until the time of his death.

Radio listeners throughout southeast Utah appreciated Mueller’s reassuring and informative voice on the air, getting everything from weather and traffic reports to insightful reports on the latest political issues. Behind the scenes, Mueller was equally beloved by his co-workers and colleagues, many of whom were inspired by his kind demeanor and his positive attitude, even as he faced difficult physical challenges.

“Phil was a classic example of what a broadcaster should be,” Dale Zabriskie, president of the Utah Broadcasters Association, wrote in a press release. “He loved the work and loved his community. He and his wife, Lou, have for decades been community leaders in Moab and Blanding areas of Utah.”

“Broadcasters tout their commitment to localism,” Zabriskie added. “Phil exemplified it every day. He was one of the good guys and will be dearly missed.”

Mueller’s work ethic and dedication were legendary. His work days were typically 14 or 15 hours long, including the 150-mile round trip from Blanding to Moab and back each day. He also regularly made trips to Salt Lake City for his cancer treatments.

According to Lou Mueller, Phil’s last day of work at the station was May 2, the day before he had been scheduled to start a rare two-week vacation.

“Phil went to work at 3:30 a.m. and came home around 7:00 p.m. So pretty much a typical day,” Lou Mueller recounted in a social media post written one week later, on May 9. However, shortly after returning home from work, Mueller became very ill and ended up in the hospital emergency room.

“In the ER later that night, things took a turn for the worse and it has been downhill ever since,” Lou added, noting that their children and grandchildren, along with many other friends and family members were able to say their final goodbyes as Phil spent his final days at home under hospice care.

Mueller’s stubborn determination in his battle against cancer was also reflected in his support of Relay for Life over the past several years, providing many other cancer survivors and their caregivers with hope and inspiration.

Lou Mueller expressed her appreciation for the kindness, love, and support Phil had received over the past few years during his cancer fight.

“He would want you to get a regular colonoscopy. He would want his experience to help others. He would want you to live life to the fullest, the way he has,” she said.

After Phil’s death, Lou Mueller wrote, “Phil was always grateful for everything, even cancer, because it introduced us to a world of wonderful friends and experiences … We cherished each other more and lived life to the fullest because we knew our time together was limited, at least in this life. It may not seem logical, rational or reasonable, but cancer was a blessing in our lives.”

Following Mueller’s passing, tributes poured in from around the country, with numerous former colleagues in the broadcast industry expressing their condolences. Many tributes, photos, and heartfelt messages were also shared online via social media.

“Phil was a great role model for me at the beginning of my own broadcast career,” KSL-TV news personality John Hollenhorst said in a written condolence sent to the family. “He was a fine man, a great newsman and a heck of a good guy. My life is much better for having known him,” Hollenhorst added.

Added Dan Mick of Moab, “Phil was a very good friend. As many of you know, we spent many wonderful days at the radio station together. He will always be with us in our hearts and minds.”

“Phil was a great boss at KCYN 97.1 FM,” Cathryn Wilson of Moab wrote on Facebook, adding that Phil treated his employees like his own family. “You gave and taught us all so much. I will forever cherish our friendship,” Wilson added.

“I can still hear him snoring in the AM studio and I can still hear him on the air,” said Tara Wilder, who worked with Mueller for nearly three years.

“Phil Mueller taught me a lot about the radio business, how to broadcast, how to produce commercials, and how to sell radio advertising, but he taught me something more than any of that,” Wilder said, adding, “He showed me what it looked like to have an incredibly strong foundation of faith and the power of positivity and community.”

“He was an early and patient mentor for me, and I remember him fondly,” said former KSL anchorman Bruce Lindsay, who added, “And wow, did he ever have a great broadcast voice!”

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 24 at the Blanding LDS Stake Center, followed by burial with military honors at the Blanding City Cemetery. Several of Mueller’s children spoke during the services. Other survivors include 27 grandchildren.

Photos

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

Utah

STAY IN THE KNOW

Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

KSL Weather Forecast