Pat Mullen, age 81, of Madison, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
A Celebration of Life will be 4-6 PM on Tuesday, April 7th at Rustand-Weiland Funeral Chapel and will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Funeral service will be at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, April 8th at Lake Madison Lutheran Church, located at 45828 228th Street, Rutland, SD. Inurnment with full military honors will be at a later date at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to McKibbin-Mosher American Legion Post 25, PO Box 83, Madison, SD, or VA Hospice, 2501 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105.
Patrick Clayton Mullen was born on November 26, 1944, to Clayton and Regina (Schwiesow) Mullen in Sioux Falls. He grew up in Madison, SD, and graduated from Madison High School. Like many men in the Mullen family, Pat was known for being strong willed, stubborn, and fiercely independent.
After high school, Pat proudly served in the United States Army from June 26, 1963, to June 15, 1966. His service took him to Germany, a place where he truly thrived. He loved sharing stories of the friendships he made—and, as he would gladly admit, the beer he drank—during those years. His sone followed suit in service commitment, Retired SGM Mike Mullen, Retire SSG Kris Mullen and Retire SFC Erik Mullen that and Pat service family have over 100-yr commitment to military.
Following his military service, Pat returned to Madison and attended General Beadle College (as he would jokingly note, “Yes, he was that old”), later graduating from Dakota State College with a degree in History. While at General Beadle College, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” Nelson of Salem, SD. They shared 55 years of marriage. After graduating and marrying, Pat and Liz began their journey together with a move to Faith, SD. While Pat pursued teaching, he quickly learned it did not pay the bills, so he worked summer side jobs to support their growing family. In 1975, the family moved to Belle Fourche, SD, where Pat found his calling in the insurance industry. Though he was no longer teaching in the classroom, Pat continued to teach on the soccer field, coaching and mentoring young people. Through American Family Insurance, he sponsored local teams, providing uniforms and support—demonstrating his deep commitment to youth and community.
In 1985, Pat felt the pull of education again and earned his Master’s Degree in Education from South Dakota State University (Go Jacks—Ears Up!). He went on to serve in several administrative roles, including positions in Timber Lake SD, and Summit, SD. Throughout every move and new adventure, his loving wife and their well seasoned “built in moving crew” followed faithfully. Eventually, Pat and Liz settled back in Madison, SD, where Pat became actively involved with American Legion Post 25. The Legion brought him lasting friendships and fresh adventures. It was a source of great pride, and a topic he enthusiastically shared with any child or grandchild willing to listen.
Pat is survived by his wife, Liz; three sons, Mike (Lori) Mullen of Pierre, SD, Kris (Ronda) Mullen of Brookings, SD and Erik (Danielle) Mullen of Moorhead, MN; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rose (Gene) Mathison.
