On February 22, 2025, the Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas unveiled the stunning Museum Founder’s Mural, created by talented artist Rafael Acosta, Jr. This remarkable piece serves as a poignant tribute from Joe Reuss to his beloved wife, Wanda, who passed away in 2011. The mural embodies Joe's deep love and admiration for Wanda, capturing their enduring bond. Tragically, Reuss passed away in 2024 and did not have the chance to witness the final masterpiece, leaving behind a legacy of love intertwined with art.
For many years, the idea of creating a mural honoring the founders had been in the works; however, Reuss was too ill in the last year of his life to choose an image. After his funeral reception, Amber Fitts-Jones, the museum manager, sorted through the photographs donated by Reuss and discovered one that stood out. 'This was one of the pictures I found. I thought it was appropriate—depicting their younger days, and it's a wonderful-looking couple. They appear very happy together. I truly believe Joe would have liked this image because Wanda was the love of his life. He adored that woman,” Fitts-Jones stated.
In an oral history interview with the Cuero Heritage Museum (CHM), Joseph B. Reuss (commonly known as Joe) recounted his family's immigration to Texas from Germany in 1845. They eventually settled in Cuero after the hurricane of 1876.
