Ernest John Mullen, 78, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away at Door County Memorial Hospital on January 20, 2010. He was born August 15, 1931 in Wausau to John and Susan (Bronk) Mullen. He served his country in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War. Ernest graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a BA in electrical engineering and went to work for Wisconsin Public Service. On August 4, 1962 he married Bonita “Bonnie” Kaster in Green Bay.
Ernie was a leader of public power systems in Wisconsin serving as the General Manager of Waupun Utilities from 1970-1972, Kaukauna Utilities 1972 – 1995, and Interim Manager Sturgeon Bay Utilities in 2000. Ernie was the President of the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin from 1976-1977.Ernie was the first president of Wisconsin Public Power, Inc., serving five terms in that position from 1976-1981. Ernie served as president and then chair of the Board of Directors of WPPI and its Executive Committee from 1981-1994. Ernie also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Public Power Association (APPA) for two terms from 1981-1987.
Although his career achievements were quite impressive, most who knew him were unaware of his accomplishments. Anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him had a lasting memory of the genuineness of his character and the sincerity of his heart. Ernie was most proud of his family, especially his 10 grandchildren. He loved sharing his passion of gardening with all who would visit with a special “tour” of his garden.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; four children Lisa (Jim) Jenkner, Algonquin, IL; Linda (Chuck) Wheaton, Sturgeon Bay; Karla (Chris) Hammen, Appleton; Brian (JoAnn) Mullen, Carol Stream, IL; 10 grandchildren, Jessica and Julia Jenkner; Austin, Lauren, and Evan Wheaton; Mitchell and Kyle Hammen; Abigail and Sydney Mullen; Zoe Marmitt; a brother, Donald (Arlene) Mullen, Rothchild; and a sister, Grace (Bill) Detroit, Schofield.
A concelebrated mass will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 25, 2010 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, the Rev. Robert J. Kabat, Rev. Carl Schmitt and Deacon Paul Zenefski, concelebrants. Burial with veteran services will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call at the church after 9:00 a.m. on Monday until time of services. Memorials may be given to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or Corpus Christi Church in his name. The Forbes Funeral Home of Sturgeon Bay is in charge of arrangements.
Special thanks to Dr. Roenning, Dr. Board, Ruth Norton, and the staff at Door County Memorial Hospital.
He was Dad, Grandpa Ernie, Brother, Uncle Ernie, Cousin Ernie, E.J., and Friend. Everyone loved Ernie and they called him amazing- I just called him mine. With Thanks and Love, Bonnie
