Little Chute remembers Sgt. Mueller

LITTLE CHUTE, Wis. - The Little Chute community came together Saturday to remember a fallen soldier.

26-year-old Sergeant Nickolas Mueller died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan back on October 26th.

Mueller was a graduate of Little Chute High School in 2002

“Nick, you'll never be forgotten, we love you, we miss you,” said Staff Sergeant Caleb Baugh as he fought back tears. 

His heartfelt goodbye brought tears to the eyes of many at Little Chute High School. The memorial at Sergeant Nickolas Mueller's former high school was surreal for some.

“My son went to school with him and he was just a fun kid, always full of life. And fun times. That's why it's hard to be back in this school today. The last time they were here together was probably their graduation,” said Deb Shippy.

Friends and family members describe Sergeant Mueller as brave and courageous. Staff sergeant Baugh could barely catch his breath as he spoke about the passing of his friend.

“No one will ever be able to take his place,” he said.

Those who spoke about Sergeant Mueller say his whole life he wanted to be a pilot. And he was living out that dream in the Army. Sergeant Mueller's aunt Linda Gleason said her nephew's death came as a shock to the family. And it is unbearable to know he's gone.

“Sometimes it just doesn't seem real. It happened so fast there's been so much going on. And other times it's really devastating that he's gone. He was a wonderful person,” said Gleason.

Friends and co-workers of Sergeant Mueller's mother say his loss has forever changed the family.

“Sharon had always been so proud of him. At work his pictures are everywhere. Her mouse pads got his helicopter picture. She just totally adored him,” said Cathy Laeyendecker

For hours, many stood outside the school holding American flags. Honoring the memory of a man no one here was ready to say goodbye to