Arlys R. Mullen (Nelson)

Arlys R. Mullen age 92, passed away at MCHS in Eau Claire on Saturday, October 22, 2016. She was born on September 14, 1924 in North Loop, Nebraska to Elmer Sr. and Helen (Loofbourrow) Nelson. She married Alvin Mullen on July 15, 1944 at the Central Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. Arlys and Alvin farmed for over 20 years on Alvin’s family farm 4.5 miles south of Bloomer. Even though Arlys did not receive her teaching degree from UWEC until 1968 she first taught at the Churchill School, a one room school house, in 1943. From 1959 to 1988 she taught in the Bloomer School District. Arlys taught Sunday School, was a 4-H leader, a member of the National Educators Association, Our Saviors Lutheran Church and WELCA. Her free time was filled with travel, raising gladiolas, reading genealogy, Sudoku puzzles and WATCHING SPORTS! She actually kept a notebook tracking the teams in the NFL, Big Ten, Brewers and Heart of the North. She remained active throughout her life, even leading exercise classes at Hetzels Care Center. Arlys was very social and loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her sons: Donald (Perky) Mullen of Luxemburg WI, John (Laura) Mullen of Darby MT; daughters: Sharon Oines of St. Paul; Marilyn (Kenneth) Welk of Mandan ND, Sandi (Paul) Reed of New Auburn; brother: Jerry (Kathy) Nelson; sisters: Donna Kellen, Joan Erickson, Beth Mares, Faye (Willis) Johnson, MaryAnn (Waldron) Gravunder; 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Elmer and Helen; husband: Alvin; brothers: Elmer Jr. “Sandy” Nelson, John “Jack” Nelson; sisters: Judith Mares, Carolyn Martinson and one sister in infancy.

Funeral Services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Martin Halom officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment in the Scandinavian cemetery following the service.