Mueller, a 13-year-old from Forestville, already knew he wanted to make a difference in his community. Then in May of last year, following the death of his great grandmother, his idea of how to do so became much more personal.

In the months since, Mueller began to work on a project to improve the cemetery where both of his great grandparents were laid to rest. His plan included cleaning old headstones, repairing broken stones, and adding a rain barrel collection system. Before his project, the cemetery did not have its own water source.

Mueller met with Mark Woolley of Riles and Woolley Funeral Home for guidance to ensure that he was using the proper materials for his project. Mueller also met with Brian Boedo, a representative of Smith’s Mill Cemetery to seek approval for the project to proceed. Once his project proposal was completed, Mueller presented it to the project beneficiary, his scout unit leader, the troop committee, and finally, the Eagle Scout Council.

Upon receiving all the necessary approvals, Mueller was eager to start the fundraising process. A GoFundMe campaign was established as Mueller solicited donations from family and friends. Word got around on his plans and even complete strangers contributed to support his mission.

Ralphie Mueller is pictured with the gravestone of his great-grandparents, the inspiration for his Eagle Scout project.

The main components of an Eagle Scout project are the planning, fundraising and leadership required to turn a vision into reality. The scout is tasked with leading a project that will have an impact. In Mueller’s case, he nailed all aspects.

Mueller scheduled several work days to complete the project before winter weather arrived. He received help from his scout troop and family members to get it all done on time.

Mueller’s original goal was to repair five stones and clean another 10 to 15 stones. With more support than anticipated, he completed the project with five stones repaired, six stones leveled, and over 35 stones cleaned. He was also able to install a rain barrel water collection system.

Mueller stated that a gravestone is often all that’s left to remember and honor a person after they pass away. Mueller said the project was rewarding to be able to honor so many others, along with his own grandparents. He hopes that his own great grandparents will be remembered a century from now through the work of his project.

Ralphie’s parents, Joe and Carrie Ann Mueller, expressed how humbling it was to watch Ralphie take on a project like he did. They were happy to help him along the way.

“Ralphie honored the deceased who aren’t here to give thanks,” Carrie Ann Mueller said. “That’s very humbling.”

Upon completion of his project, Mueller donated approximately $350 of the proceeds of his fundraising efforts to the cemetery to be used to further honor the deceased.