William Harrison Mullan, 97, of Fort Madison, Iowa died peacefully Saturday, April 20, 2024 at his home. He was born January 3, 1927 at Aberdeen, South Dakota, a son of William Earl and Leedice Marian (Olds) Mullan. Upon graduating from High School in 1945, he entered the U S Navy. He completed 2 years active duty and 5 years in the Naval Reserve. On May 25, 1949 he married the love of his life, Frances L. Smith in Ames, Iowa. They were blessed with four children: Jeri, David, Bill and Lynn. Frances passed away September 11, 1994. They were married for 45 years.
His oldest son, David, preceded him in death on December 18, 1999. In December of 1995 Bill married, Mary Jane Luegering. She passed away in 2014. He is survived by his children: William S. (Shannon) Mullan of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Jeri Mullan-Lee (Davey Lee) of St. Paul, Minnesota and Lynn Mullan-Marek of Fort Madison; grandchildren: Megan Mullan, Sharmiki, Hannah and Jenna Mullan, and Jack Marek; step-children: Gregory (Barb) Luegering of Katy, Texas; Susan (Bob) Nutgrass of Indianola, Iowa and Julia (Duane) Russell of Nebraska City, Nebraska; close friends and care givers, Gloria Alvarez-Sharpman and Juan Alvarez.
Bill graduated from the Iowa State College in December of 1951 with a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a Licensed Professional Engineer. Most of his career was spent in the food industry. He retired from the Dial Corporation in 1994, after being employed there for almost 20 years. Bill was a part of a team during his employment at Armour Dial that designed, patented and placed in operation the Vienna Can Filling System that is still operating to this day! Bill often shared, “It depends on who you ask, if I accomplished much or did very little there.” Insert laugh.
Bill was definitely a workaholic. He enjoyed volunteering on many boards in the community. Some of those were the Lee County Conservation Board, FM Board of Adjustment and Appeals, Airport Commission and the Fort Madison Lion’s Club. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and served 7 years on the NRA Board of Directors. Bill volunteered 30 years of his life teaching Hunters Education and Safety as an instructor both here in Iowa and also in Minnesota. When Bill was not working or volunteering he spent time with his family, and as well as he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and rifle and pistol competitions.
Bill’s family will greet friends from 9:30 to 10:30 am, Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. His memorial service will follow and begin at 10:30 am, Thursday at the Barr Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Madison. A memorial has been established for Three Rivers Conservation Foundation and the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Contributions may be left at Barr Memorial Chapel. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Mullan family and an online guest book may be found at www.barrmemorialchapel.com.
