Laura Mueller, of Burnsville, age 54, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

Laura was born on September 23, 1971, in Kansas City, Missouri. She spent several years of her childhood in beautiful Oconomowoc, Wisconsin before moving to Apple Valley, Minnesota, where she graduated from Apple Valley High School in 1989. She earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She went on to work for Afton Preschool as an administrator and teacher.

While teaching, she developed a love for Crayola and began collecting their iconic boxes and memorabilia. A brand-new box of 64 Crayola crayons was one of Laura's favorite things.

Laura loved to play tennis, "the World's Healthiest Sport." She taught tennis lessons to kids and spent the last four years working at United States Tennis Association-Northern, where she found so much joy in helping others play her favorite sport.

Laura was gracious, brave, and funny. Her smile lit up every room. She loved Sunday dinners, Kenny Chesney, tulips, a perfectly iced Mountain Dew and Lion's Tap. She also enjoyed watching eagles in a nest by her home. She was extremely proud of her two sons. She was the brightest color in every Crayola box and a hero in our house.

She is survived by her adorable children, Jake and Max Mueller; her significant other, Shawn Carlson and his children, Mariah and Hunter Carlson, granddaughter, Vivian; parents, Jeff and Sandy Krause; sister, Linda Krause; father of her children, Rob Mueller; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by grandparents, Elroy and Marcella Krause, Bill and Nadine Eddins; uncle, Bill Krause; cousin, Tricia Garrison.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29th from 5:00-8:00 pm at White Funeral Home, 14560 Pennock Ave, Apple Valley. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 30th at 11:00 am at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, with visitation at 10:00 am. Reception following service at Crystal Lake Golf Course, 16725 Innsbrook Drive, Lakeville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laura's name to: NMDP SM (National Marrow Donor Program), 500 N. 5th St., Minneapolis, MN 55401 - Phone: 800-627-7692