Mark Mulvihill (2015)
MULVIHILL, WATTS, MINOR
Posted By: Mary Welty Hart (email)
Date: 8/5/2015 at 13:10:09
Des Moines Sunday Register
Des Moines, Iowa
Sunday, August 02, 2015MARK MULVIHILL, West Des Moines
Mark Mulvihill, Dad, Grandfather and beloved Irishman, died early in the morning July 31, 2015 from respiratory failure due to a complication of a life long battle with polio. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 am Monday August, 3, 2015 at St. Theresa Catholic Church with burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Mark's Irish wit and compassion engaged all that knew him; but his courage and strength in the face of significant challenges won people's respect. Mark's gentle soul, bravery and faithfulness stand as an example to his five children, their spouses, 14 grandchildren and to all that encountered him. Mark met Jeanine Minor shortly after college, and they were married in 1954, from there they were virtually inseparable and their great love story grew. Mark and Jeanine lived a blessed life raising six children, who provided a rich and abundant life for them. They also suffered major setbacks when Mark contracted polio just two months after they were married and suffered the unimaginable loss of their oldest son Kevin in 1971. But with their deep faith in God they were able to endure life's challenges and celebrate their many blessings.
Mark freely gave of his time, talents and money to causes important to him. Mark held various positions including President and Treasurer of the Serra Club of Des Moines an organization of Catholic men and women fostering vocations to religious life. Mark was a passionate supporter of Dowling Catholic High School and was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1990.
Mark retired from Farmers Mutual Hail after 38 years of service. In his retirement Mark was known to roam the sidewalks of his West Des Moines neighborhood of Park Haven connecting with his neighbors. As their fondness for Mark grew his neighbors unanimously named him the Mayor of Park Haven, a title which he cherished
Certainly one measure of success in a man's life is by the people that surround him when he dies. Mark was one lucky Irish man, as he was constantly surrounded by his family and friends.
Mark leaves behind a rich legacy for his wife Jeanine and important life lessons of love, respect, compassion, hope, fight, integrity and faith for their five children and their families: Daughter Kathy, her spouse Jim and their daughters Alison, her husband Charlie, Casey, her husband Matt, and Jamie. Daughter Molly, her spouse Dave and their daughters Elliott, Erin and Alexandra. Daughter Michelle, her spouse Kelly and their children Max and Lilly. Son Mike, his spouse MaryLisa and their daughters Lucy, Megan and Brigid. Son Matt, his spouse Leslie and their daughters Evelyn, Kate and Maeve. He also leaves behind two brothers Dan, and Bob. Mark has been reunited with their beloved first son Kevin in heaven.
Visitation will be from 3-6 pm Sunday August 2, 2015 at Dunn's Funeral Home with a Rosary being said at 6 pm.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers all memorial contributions be directed to the Serra Club of Des Moines.
Iles Dunns Chapel, 2121 Grand Avenue
________________________Transcribers Note: Mark was raised in Lee Twp, Madison County, Iowa the son of James & Katherine (Watts) Mulvihill.
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