Eugene Ronald Mulhern

Eugene R. (Butch) Mulhern passed away on June 23, 2025, at his home in Spring Valley, Minn., after a long struggle with his health.

Eugene was born to Clayton and Emma (Eickhoff) Mulhern on November 23, 1937, in Preston, Minn. He was baptized as an adult in Cherry Grove United Methodist Church prior to leaving for military service.

Eugene was a member of Wykoff United Methodist Church and Cherry Grove, UMC for his entire adult life, holding offices in both churches. He was a board member of the Wykoff Cemetery Association for 40 years.

Gene grew up on the farm and rode his pony to country school at Watson Creek through the fifth grade. Upon completing fifth grade he went to Wykoff Public School, graduating in 1955. He spent much of his early high school days helping his family while his father dealt with debilitating arthritis.

Gene loved playing football and was the quarterback for the first Wykoff Public School football team. Eugene was the youngest in his graduating class.

In January 1956 Gene enlisted in the Army. Following basic training he was stationed in Korea for 16 months. On June 23, 1956, he married Beth Finke. Upon his discharge they were blessed with three children: Christine, Laurie and Gregory.

Gene worked for various local trucking companies, eventually choosing to work for Malley United Van Lines in Milwaukee, Wis., and was later transferred to Minneapolis, Minn.

In 1970 Gene and Beth purchased his grandparents’ farm in rural Fountain. He made the decision to become a dairy farmer, gradually expanding his love for dairying with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren into a large family business. Gene stayed involved providing input and advice through most of his later years. Retirement was never a farmer’s option in his eyes. Mulhern Dairy was awarded the Fillmore County Farm Family of the year in 2022.

Gene and Beth spent many summers at Wildwood enjoying lake life. They also enjoyed traveling to many countries.

Gene loved his children, grandchildren and great-children. Much like his father, Gene had a natural ability to connect with children in his playful, teasing manner.

Eugene is survived by his wife Beth, of 69 years; his children: Chris (Lloyd) of Grand Meadow, Laurie of Greenland, N. H., and Greg (Barb) of Spring Valley; grandchildren: Cory (Billie), Mitch (Jenny), Aaron (Chelese), Ryan (Alicia), Erik (Christina), Brett (Laurie), and Derek (Brian); stepgrandchildren: Steph, Darren (Tammy), Jim (Gabby), and Kari; 23 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and his in-laws Terry Hur and Paul and June Finke. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Phyllis Woellert, infant sister Marion, his parents-in-law Raymond and Jessie Finke, grandson Bradley James Mulhern, his siblings-in-law: Loren Woellert, Russell Finke (Lucille), Kenneth Finke (Ardys), John Finke (Bernis) and Kemper Hur.

Graveside services will held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Preston Veterans Cemetery, with a celebration of life to follow at the Wykoff Community Center, Wykoff, Minn., from 2:30-5 p.m. A brief service of remembrance will be held at 3 p.m.

Our family wants to extend gratitude for the extraordinary care given to Gene during his time in hospice. He developed strong relationships with each of his care providers, most especially Jenn and Taylor. Memorials may be directed to donors’ choice, St. Croix Hospice or Wykoff Cemetery Association.