Denise Mullen

denise mullen
Denise Ellen Mullen, a long time North Dakota resident, died on November 10, 2017 at Villa Maria in Fargo. She was 102 years old, only 18 days shy of being 103. Denise was born on November 28, 1914 in Ardoch, North Dakota to Joseph and Theresa Bogan Cosgrove. A few years later, the family moved to Cavalier, North Dakota where her father purchased the Jennings Hotel. Denise lived her childhood playing on the dusty streets of Cavalier, but moved to Grand Forks when she was in high school. She graduated from St. James Academy in 1932. After attending business college in Grand Forks, Denise became the bookkeeper at McDonalds Clothing Store. While working there, she met the love of her life, Kenneth (Pinky) Mullen of Grand Forks. They were united in marriage at St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks on October 28, 1937. Kenneth and Denise moved to Minneapolis, MN after getting married and lived there for 10 years. While there, they became parents to their son, Michael, and two daughters, Molly and Margo. In 1947, Denise and Pinky moved back to Grand Forks. Pinky started the Mullen Realty Company and Denise became Pinky’s most beloved secretary. They were active in many organizations and activities in Grand Forks over the years. These included all UND sports, the GF Country Club, The Elks Club, and their church, Holy Family. Denise and Pinky celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1987. Denise was known for her happy disposition. Always the perfect lady, she was known and recognized for her style and impeccable dress. Her favorite colors were turquoise and pink as evidenced in her wardrobe and home décor. She spent 17 happy years living at Touchmark (Waterford at Harwood Groves). She was an avid fan of Bingo, and always had her dimes and quarters in a special place ready to go! Denise is survived by her son Michael (Jean) of Waterville Valley, NH, her daughter Margo (Dr. James) McCulley of Fargo, ND, and son-in-law Dr. John Volkerding, Peroia, AZ: grandchildren: Melissa Rhodes, Flagstaff, AZ, Meredith Telus (Marek), Concord, NH, Mary Mullen, Minneapolis MN, Michael Mullen, Minneapolis MN, Patrick Volkerding (Andrea), Sebeka, MN, Shawn Richardson (Mark), Nashvile, TN, Jennifer Bulthuis (Curt), Maple Grove, MN, Dr. Melissa McCulley (Rial Stedman), Fargo, ND, and Brian McCulley (Liz), Eagan, MN. She is also survived by 13 precious great-grandchildren, whom she dearly loved. In addition, she is survived by 3 nieces, and her cousin, Thomas Bogan of Fargo. Denise was preceded in death by her parents, two older sisters, Marguerite and Madeline, her husband, Kenneth, her daughter Molly Volkerding, and her dear sister-in-law, Margaret Herberger. The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at Villa Maria. They, along with Hospice of the Red River Valley, extended the finest care and went above and beyond to make Denise comfortable. We are forever grateful for their kindness and compassion. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo. Interment will take place at Calvary cemetery in Grand Forks.

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  1. Precious Denise,
    All these years and it is still hard to imagine life without her. The beautiful white hair, the genuine, warm smile, and always kind words. Your family was so blessed to have you as their matriarch! God bless our memories.

  2. Margo,
    Denise was a most classy, beautiful woman, and mother to two classy, beautiful (FUN) daughters! How I loved seeing this TRIO at Waterford each week…… Denise, Molly, & Margo- the three of you lit up the room and were very dear to me. Margo, you’ve lost your beloved sister, and now your dear mother…. My heart goes out to you. It melts my heart to think of Molly waiting with arms wide open to greet your mom!

    My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you, dear friend~
    Linda

  3. Our love and prayers to all of you. Denise added smiles to all those around her. We will be with you in spirit on Wednesday.
    Harry and Kathy

  4. Dear Margo and family…what a beautiful long life your Mom had. She knew so many people and will be very missed. We send our prayers to your family. Shell and Dean

  5. Dear Margo and family…your beautiful mother will be very missed. We send our prayers to your family. Dean and Shell.

  6. What a treasure to have enjoyed so many wonderful years. How we look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises that “he will do away with death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.” — Isaiah 25:8.


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