Kiel barber a cut above the rest

KIEL - Fremont Street in Kiel is lined with small businesses that have been in place for generations.

Mueller's Barbershop, which is marked by an iconic barber's pole, has been there for 50 years.

Inside, you'll find original barber's chairs, old radios and the sounds of friendly chatter amongst regular customers.

Mueller's Barbershop is owned and operated by Willy Mueller.  

"I went to barber school in Chicago," said Mueller. "When my apprenticeship was finished, I needed a place to work and I chose Kiel."

Mueller has cut hair for families of all generations in Kiel. While he's known as the barber in Kiel, he's also known as someone who is making a difference in the community.

Every month, Mueller visits customers who are no longer able to leave their homes and he gives them a haircut at no charge. He packs up a barber's bag and travels wherever he needs to, to make sure his aging customers are still able to receive his services.

Mueller's generosity continues for his customers even after death. He'll travel to funeral homes at no cost to make sure his friends go to their resting places looking their best.

"I feel everybody should give back," said Mueller. "This is what I know how to do."

Mueller's daughter, Dyanna Muldoon works along side him at the barber shop. She says her dad's visits to his customers are about more than just cutting hair.

"He doesn't just cut their hair and go," said Muldoon. "He visits with them and sometimes, it may be their only visitor."

Mueller leaves his barbershop to visit more than 30 people each month, most of them at local nursing homes.

"Most of them are down and out," said Mueller. "They're always happy to see you and kind of waiting for you every month."

Mueller is also an active member of his local Lion's Club and is known for many other efforts in making the community a better place. He has several plaques hanging on the wall of his barbershop, including a Citizen Of The Year award from the Kiel Kiwanis Club in 2009.

Do you know someone, like Mueller who is Making a Difference?  Or, a local program or business that is Making a Difference?  Email us at fox11news@wluk.com.