John Francis Mullen, 71, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, after a five-year battle with cancer.
John was born on September 27, 1954, to Mervin (Bud) and Margaret Mullen. He was a 1972 graduate of Mayo High School and attended Luther College. John excelled in cross country and field distance events in high school and college. He worked as a computer engineer at IBM for 38 years.
John met the love of his life, Rhonda, and they married in 2007. The did some traveling to Mexico and other warm places in the U.S. They also camped and went to many concerts with friends at Fort McCoy.
John was also a sports nut. He watched the Vikings, golf, and the Wild faithfully. John was an outdoor enthusiast who loved hunting and fishing. He fished many walleye tournaments. He also enjoyed making his own arrows and lures. His hunts were very detailed and interesting to listen to. He hunted deer, turkey and elk in many different states.
John enjoyed helping people. If you needed a ride or wanted to borrow something, he would generously help you.
John is survived by his wife of 18 years, Rhonda; his children Eric and Jennifer (Mullen), his stepchildren Angie (Josh) Simon and Corey (Coreina) Lyon. Also surviving are his siblings Mike (Denise), Mary, Paul (Elise), Anne (Roger) Lindahl, Terry, and Jeff (Sheree) Mullen.
John enjoyed being a grandpa to Nathan, Abbie, Rosie, Cadyn, Ali, Scarlett and Ashlyn, Maddie and Brooklyn (Simon).
There will be a family memorial service at a later date.
The family wants to thank Mayo Hospice for their wonderful care for John.
Neil Van Slyke says
John was a great guy, terrific distance runner and teammate at Luther, and friend..
I extend my greatest sympathy to his family.
Dan Burbank says
Rest in peace John. You were an all around great guy!
Jacque Ryan says
John and I both, extend our deepest sympathies to ALL who knew and loved this sweet guy. Rhonda, I’m so glad we saw you 2 at the Old Barn last fall. We are holding you and your family in our hearts and prayers. 💞🙏🏻💞🙏🏻
Dan and Jean Hunft says
Dear Rhonda and family, our hearts are hurting for you all. John was a great guy and friend and we will dearly miss him. We had many wonderful and fun times!!
He will forever be in our hearts🥰❤️🙏
RIP dear friend 🙏🙏🙏❤️ take care Rhonda and family 🥰❤️
Dukie Corson says
My thoughts and prayers are heading to John’s family.
I got to know John through one of my best friends at Luther College Moon Mullen. He was a really kind and special guy. Great runner who will be missed by so many.
❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾Dukie
Geri Dirth says
My heart breaks for the family . Rod, my husband, who passed way 5 years ago was a roommate at Luther college and very dear friend! I knew John in his COLLEGE DAYS as well! John was an exceptional runner. E were family at LUTHER💙 sending heart felt hugs to all of you💛
Mary Mullen says
Thank you for sharing this story. We all loved him very much. There is a big hole now in our hearts and family. John was a very fun person and very giving. Best brother a girl could ever ask for. Love you John❤️