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BORN

1941

DIED

2015

John Mulholland Obituary

John William Mulholland went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Sept. 2, 2015, after a brief struggle with brain cancer. Accompanied by loved ones, he passed peacefully at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. Please join us in celebrating John's precious life at a Memorial Service at Indian Valley Bible Chalet on the Seward Hwy. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at 2 p.m., followed by a time of food and fellowship. Bring your stories of John to share in person or in writing. Private interment will be at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery. John was born on March 31, 1941, to Andrew and Ethel Mulholland in Pasadena, Calif. He attended Biola Bible College and University of Anchorage Alaska. Mr. Mulholland taught Science and Math for 25 years, retiring in 1994 from Wendler Middle School in Anchorage. John's contagious smile, generous nature and ability to overlook flaws in others while easily finding something to praise, set him apart from most. Whether playfully delighting in children, aggressively skiing the slopes of Alyeska, joyfully singing and strumming an old hymn on his guitar or fearlessly flying his Super Cub in search of his next big game, John lived life abundantly! He took an active role at Valley Bible Chalet, teaching Bible Study, leading the music and instructing Sunday School for teens. Because of his faith in Christ and love for people, John passionately shared the gospel message declaring, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Diana Mulholland; twin brother, Lorens Mulholland; half-sister, Marie Grandeen; nephews, Jeff and Jesse Mulholland; and niece, Erin Mulholland. He is preceded in death by both parents; and his older brother, Andrew Mulholland. In lieu of flowers and in honor of John's extraordinary love for children, donations may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, P.O. Box 670264, Chugiak, AK 99567, or online www.cefalaska.com (please specify Anchorage area). Arrangements provided by Anchorage Funeral Home. Visit www.AlaskanFuneral.com to leave a note or favorite memory of John.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Sep. 9, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Mulholland

Not sure what to say?





Jason Mertens

September 3, 2023

I still think about John all the time. He was a great example of how we should treat one another. I know he is in Heaven looking down. I hope to see you again someday!

Jeff Foutz

October 23, 2015

"Mr. Mo" was the man who introduced many of us into the wonderful world of rocketry at Lucerne, Wonderful, charismatic, and caring. What a joy to read he brought such attributes with him to the great state of Alaska. Rest well my friend.

September 27, 2015

Doing my best Mr. Mulholland impression back in 2005

Edmund Drew

September 19, 2015

---Mr. Mulholland was my eighth grade science teacher at Muscatel in Rosemead Ca way way back in 1973-74. Besides celebrating with me our same birthday, and I imagine that is another reason why he was so nice to me, he tried his best to teach us about the car engine.But my best memory of him was when he would take us members of his class out to the lucerne valley dry lake bed for some rocketry. We camped over night and sent some model "D" Rockets way up. Over the years I have often thought of him telling us stories of his dad and Mulholland Drive. He will always be my favorite teacher. I was in Alaska in 1997 at Elmendorf AFB. I am not sure when he arrived there but had I known I would of loved to have seen him again. My thoughts, prayers and love for his family. I know I will see him again, to God be the Glory.----Edmund G. Drew. 702-328-4490

Brandon Stamper

September 13, 2015

There's that one teacher you tell your children about as you grow old and Mr. Mulholland is that one for me. Rarely does a teacher show such charisma, excitement and pure enthusiasm while teaching as Mr. Mulholland did. The choice in taking a sick day off from school was met with great apprehension as to what you may miss or experience in his class, sometimes even a broken classroom window or small fire... haha .never a dull moment, and always enlightening. The memories of your class, stories and friendship will always bring a smile to my face. Thank you.

---Brandon Stamper

Robbie Rollins

September 13, 2015

Mr. Mulholland changed my life. He was the best teacher ever. He took me hunting, fishing,skiing and even let me fly his plane. There's not enough words to say about how great a man he was. Diana, my heart goes out to you.

Jason Mertens

September 13, 2015

John was the disciple who led me to Christ. He is a great man and I will miss him dearly. God was telling me to call. I guess I thought he would just live forever here on earth. I was too late and feel horrible but long to see him in heaven. I know he is there. Take care Diane. He is waiting.

Fatima Young

September 12, 2015

I was sad to hear about John's passing. It is a great loss to those who loved him. We know, however, he is in a much better place. John had a gift for making people smile and feel good about themselves. I remember him telling stories about his hunting and fishing adventures and he sure had them. He enjoyed life to the fullest and now he's free from the pain.

Diana, my heart goes out to you. It's those of us who are left behind, that have the heart ache and grief to bear. Please know that you are in my prayers. Love to you, Fatima

Connie Giddings

September 11, 2015

John always had a smile for everyone and his students loved him at Wendler Middle School. He was an advocate for every kid! If I was having a bad day I could always go to John's classroom and be cheered up with his laugh!

Ken and Carolyn Andrus

September 10, 2015

Rest in Peace to a great teacher and Man. Godspeed. Our condolences to the family.

The Rev. David Terwilliger

September 10, 2015

John is a dear, dear Brother in Christ, now in the company of the Church Triumphant. We miss him now but know, that through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, we will see John again in glory. Rest in Peace and May Light Perpetual Shine Upon you, Brother John.

Judy Barnes

September 10, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Diana. You and John are two of the nicest people I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mike Pickett

September 9, 2015

Going to continue to remember our fun visits in the hall during passing periods, John. You always had something to smile about. Enjoy your new "position," and no, they prolly won't need pre-fab bildings there.
As Bob Hope usta sing..."thanks for the memories."

Willy Zeiger

September 9, 2015

Your description of John's life: "John lived life abundantly!" is very fitting. He touched many, including me. Wish you well John, neighbor from Flying Crown. Willy Zeiger

Dan Winkelman

September 9, 2015

Diana and Family, our deepest condolences. As you know, John was and will always be one of my best friends! We could of filled many books with all the hunting and fishing stories we told to each other, most true, some embellished! I can still hear his infectious laugh as I write. What a great man and role model to many. Love Dan, Veronica, Alek and Katherine.

Susie Mulholland Heist

September 9, 2015

Oh, the life you lived, the people you loved and the people who love you, John. You will forever remain in our hearts. My deepest condolences to dearest Diana and the family and friends left behind.
God has a new angel with him. One that we shall never, ever forget.

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