HAROLD WALTER MUCKENTHALER, FUHS 1941

HAROLD WALTER MUCKENTHALER

 

 

Muckenthaler, Harold Walter, age 90, died April 16, 2013. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends at Sunrise Retirement Community in Fullerton. He was born October 1, 1922 in Fullerton, California, where he lived his entire life to his parents, Walter and Adella Kraemer Muckenthaler. Harold's maternal grandparents were Samuel Kraemer and Angelina Yorba of Placentia - both from Orange County pioneer families dating back to the Spanish Rancho era.

Harold spent his childhood years growing up with his parents in the home they commissioned to be built in 1924. The 18-room mansion and 8.5 acres were donated to the city of Fullerton in 1965 by Harold, who wished to see his childhood home used as a cultural center for the public to enjoy. In 1999, the Muckenthaler House / Muckenthaler Cultural Center / "the Muck" (as it is affectionately referred to) received designation by the National Register of Historic Places.

Harold attended Fullerton Elementary School, where he met Shirley Zoeter (who he later married). He graduated from both Fullerton High and Fullerton College. In 1942, Harold joined the Military, spending 4 years in the Navy as a Flight Engineer prior to being discharged.

Through the years, Harold was involved with many local groups and community organizations including - Saint Mary's Parrish, Fullerton Elks, American Legion, Orange County Farm Bureau, Council of California Growers, Placentia and Fullerton Chambers of Commerce, Orange County Sheriff Advisory Council, Association of Naval Aviators, along with 20-30 Club and Kawanis. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

Harold was actively involved with citrus ranching and private investing, serving on many Boards of Directors as an Officer and in a leadership capacity with Ventura Coastal / 7-up Corporation (26 years); Valencia Bank; Yorba Orange Growers Association / Sunkist (President); Founders K Corporation (Vice President); Upper K Ranch Corporation (Vice President); Ventura Alpha Ranches Corporation (Vice President); FKC Partners; Kraemer VI Incorporated; Muckenthaler Cultural Foundation; Fullerton Cultural & Fine Arts Commission (Vice Chairman); Boys and Girls of Fullerton (President, Charter Member and Organizer); University National Bank; Fullerton Parking Commission; Newport National Bank; Orange County Children's Hospital, and Valencia Bank.

His interests included family, travel, hunting, golf.

Harold is survived by his two daughters, Peggy Albert of Brea and Kathy Riddle of Newport Beach, 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Shirley in 2010; and their daughter, Sheryl in 2007.

Donations may be sent to 'Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund', 220 Commerce, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92602 or 'The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Foundation', 1201 West Malvern Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92833. McAulay & Wallace Mortuary

Published in Orange County Register on April 28, 2013

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