Meet Hans Mueller

Hans Mueller skated into our lives to stay with us at Caring House, and we are honored to welcome him and his partner of 35 years, Jewel Steele.

Hans was a legendary skating coach and Swiss National Champion (1955) who represented Switzerland in the World Championships (1955, 1956) and VII Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy (1956).

Born in Zurich, Hans worked in the family business as a butcher, but figure skating was his real passion. After his brilliant amateur career in competitive skating, Hans sailed to America aboard the Queen Mary.

Once he arrived in New York, he traveled to Atlantic City and joined the Ice Capades. Hans spent the next 20 years touring the US, Canada and Australia as one-half of the successful “Hans and Pepe,” with his skating partner Darlene Ripepe. After the two left Ice Capades, they continued touring together through Europe with Ice Parade.

It was in the late 70’s that Hans decided to settle down in Southern California, and that’s when he began coaching at what is now known as the Skating Edge in Harbor City. His coaching career spanned three decades, and during that time, he trained a long roster of champion skaters.

Outside of his prolific skating career, one of his proudest moments took place in June 1983. He celebrated the country he loved by making it his permanent home and becoming an American citizen.

In addition to Jewel, Hans was beloved by friends and family, including his four adoring nieces.

We were honored to care for Hans and his loved ones in his last days, and it warms all of our hearts to know that it made “a world of difference” to them.

In Memoriam

Hans passed away on August 26, 2021. Honor him. Remember him.