James Mulhaupt

James F. "Jim" Mulhaupt, 77

Following an extended illness, James F."Jim" Mulhaupt, 77, passed away on November 9th, 2012, at the Lafayette Seton Specialty Hospital in the presence of loving family.

He was born in Lafayette to the late Ida and Vincent Mulhaupt in Jan. of 1935 and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dorothy Zollinger Mulhaupt and their children; son, Douglas Mulhaupt (wife: Cindy), Lorrie Tack (husband: Joe), Cheryl Conti (husband: Joe); seven wonderful grandchildren, Jessica Wolf (husband: Isaac), Nicholas (wife: Ashley), Andy, James, and Suzi Tack, Kaitlin and Joey Conti. With great joy the family recently welcomed great grandchild, Kennedy Dianne Wolf.

Jim grew up in Lafayette and attended Jefferson H.S. class of 1952. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University graduating in 1956 and became an officer in U.S. Air Force through R.O.T.C. training at Purdue. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and later served as corporation board President of Gamma Lamda chapter.

Following graduation Jim and Dottie were married. When serving in the Air Force he was stationed at Malestrom AFB in Great Falls Montana, Francsis E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne Wyoming, Thule Greenland and McDill AFB in Tampa, FL. Following military service Jim and Dottie returned to Lafayette where Jim served as President and CEO of Mulhaupt's Inc. He was instrumental in the growth and development of the family business founded in 1876 by his great grandfather Joseph F. Mulhaupt. Jim was dedicated to expansion in downtown Lafayette and developed Schwinn Bicycle franchises in the Lafayette and West Lafayette area, as well as an expansion into security systems. During this time the business was honored by the Indiana Governor's office as one of Indiana's oldest successful businesses. He was active in the Downtown Business Association, a member of the Lafayette Country Club, Lafayette Elks, American Legion and Presbyterian Church.

Jim and Dottie later moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona where they enjoyed semi-retirement for 20 years, returning to Lafayette in 2008. He loved the climate and beauty of Arizona and was an avid golfer. He will be remembered for his hard work ethic, compassion for employees, and love of family and animals. He also leaves behind his much loved and faithful dog, Duke. Jim spoke fondly of good times spent with lifelong friends.

At Jim's request a private family memorial is planned. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Seton Specialty Hospital, St. Vincents, 1501 Hartford Street, Lafayette, IN 47904. Online condolences send to www.soller-baker.com.