Richard Raymond Mulkern

Richard "Dick" Raymond Mulkern, age 100, of Minnetonka, MN, quietly passed away on April 27, 2025. He was born on January 16, 1925, in Minneapolis, MN to Raymond and Alvilda (Seymour) Mulkern. He graduated from South High School in Minneapolis in January 1943. After graduation he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he served as a pilot flying C47 cargo planes in the China Burma India Theater of Operations. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.
In 1948, he graduated from the University of MN with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Cum Laude). In 1949 he received his Master's Degree in Education also from the University of MN. He taught and coached at Detroit Lakes High School and White Bear Lake High School in Minnesota.
In 1962, he was appointed head football, head wrestling, head track coach and professor of Physical Education and Health Education at Hamline University in St. Paul. Later he also served as Athletic Director. A few highlights at Hamline were winning the 1966 MIAC Football Championship, having 34 All-Americans and 12 US National Champions in track. He retired from Hamline in 1991. In 2014, Hamline dedicated the Hamline Court in his honor. He felt truly blessed to serve Hamline University and its faculty, staff, and students for 29 years.
In 1994 he moved to Hawaii where he and Mary Kragel were married. They lived in Hawaii, Florida and Iowa and finally returned to Minnesota in 2016.
Dick believed in staying active before and after retirement as he competed in many outdoor sports. He participated in the Masters Track and Field Program through his 80's. He lived his values in his very senior years by investing in youth as he continued to coach in high school football and track programs on a volunteer basis until age 89. Dick expressed his gratefulness for the deep friendships and endless support he received throughout his life.
He and his wife attended Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park. He was confirmed at age 93. Dick found great peace in his faith.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife Mary of 30 years; three loving daughters, Janet Mulkern of Clearwater, FL; Terri (David) Luedtke of Blaine, MN; and Susan (Dean) Olsen of Bloomington, MN; seven grandchildren Adam (Dalys) Joyner of Sturbridge, MA; Julie (Jason) Robichaud of Clearwater, FL; Jonathan Luedtke of Blaine, MN; Daniel (Gretchen) Luedtke of Minneapolis, MN; Kristen Luedtke of St. Louis Park, MN; Karl (Krista) Olsen of Minneapolis, MN; and Matthew Olsen of St. Louis Park, MN; eight great grandchildren Joseph, Vanessa, Anabelle, and Kylie Joyner, Kenten, Ember, and Edmund Luedtke, and Stella Robichaud; siblings Marie(Scott) Kennison of Grafton, WI; and Virginia Christiansen of Bloomington, MN.
He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Alvilda Mulkern, brother Harlan Mulkern and first wife Vivian Olson.
A Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road South, St. Louis Park, MN 55426. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A private Graveside Service will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.
Memorials may be made in Dick's honor to Hamline University Athletic Department, St. Paul, MN, South High Foundation, South High School, Minneapolis, MN, or Westwood Lutheran Church, St. Louis Park, MN.