MADISON-Douglas Mullen, 88, of Madison gave up his spirit on Sunday, July 10, 2016, shortly after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, with his daughters by his side. Doug, the son of Max and Clara (Bossart) Mullen, was born in Madison on November 28, 1927.

Doug attended Brayton and Lincoln Elementary Schools and Central Junior and Senior High. He graduated in 1945 and entered the Army in July 1945 until he was discharged in August, 1947. He served as a medic in the 23rd Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. After two training sessions at Madigan General Hospital in Fort Lewis, Washington, he was promoted to T/4 (Sergeant).

In September 1947, he enrolled in the University of Wisconsin under the G.I. Bill, receiving a B.S. in Education in 1950. That fall he started his first teaching job at Lincoln Junior High in Beloit. The next summer he married Shirley White on June 2, 1951 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. His first daughter, Vietta, was born in 1952. The following year, after being interviewed by Principal Randall, Doug accepted a contract to teach in the social studies department at Madison East Junior High. In 1955, Karla joined the family and in 1960, Lisa Renee was born. In 1964, Doug was chosen to be Principal of East Junior high, at the end of that school year Lisa died from leukemia. In 1972, when East Junior High was closed due to the change to the middle school concept. Doug chose to stay at East high as the 9th grade assistant principal. He enjoyed working with the staff at East and appreciated the supportive parents on the East side. He promoted good attendance and respectful discipline.

Doug felt the years from 1979 until his retirement in 1988 were the most successful. Milt McPike became the high school principal and many positive changes took place. The direct result was many more students saw themselves as part of a positive educational experience.

After retiring in 1988, Doug and Shirley decided to get away from the cold winters and spent January and February in South Padre Island, Texas, where they enjoyed the beach, golfing, fresh seafood, and met many friends.

Doug volunteered to tutor students a couple of hours a week at Emerson Elementary School. He did this for twenty-five years, until he had to help take care of Shirley as her health declined.

Doug is survived by his daughters, Vietta (Jim) Kampen and Karla Jacks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife on Feb 11, 2015, his sister Vietta (Mal) Einerson, brother-in-law, Harvey White and his wife Helen, and daughter, Lisa Renee.

On Thursday, July 14, 2016, there will be a visitation at 1:00 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 222 East Washington Avenue, Madison, WI. A memorial service will follow at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Home Health United, or a charity of your choice.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Douglas Mullen

November 28, 1927 - July 10, 2016

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