Mass of the Christian Burial for Emmett Mullen was held Monday, October 17, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Manning, Iowa. Reverend Robert Gralapp officiated. Mass Servers were Ericka Tank, Noah Tank, and Robert Tank. Gift bearers were Emmett's grandsons. Eucharistic Minister was Margaret Frees. Lector was Laurie Stein. Music was provided by Sacred Heart Choir with Pat Heithoff as organist. Casket bearers were Pat Callender, Jerry Callender, Kenard Carstens, Lenny Carstens, Tom Bennett, Myron Bogatzke, Wayne Eich, Ralph Dobler, Doug Hargens, Roger Hansen, Frank Wegner, and Tom Wittrock. Honorary Casket bearers were Emmett's grandchildren and close friends. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Manning with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 22 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517. Ohde Funeral in Manning was in charge of arrangements.

Emmett Francis, son of Emmett Francis and Mabel (Houlihan) Mullen, was born June 22, 1931, at St. Catherine's Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. When he was young, Emmett lived in Texas and Oklahoma. His family settled in Denison, Iowa where he graduated from Denison High School in 1949. He then worked at Hallett's Bootery in Denison. From 1949 to 1951, Emmett served in the Army National Guard.

On April 13, 1953, Emmett was united in marriage with Donna Terwilleger at Defiance, Iowa. Emmett and Donna made their home in Manning where they owned and operated the Manning Bootery. In the mid-1980s Emmett became an insurance agent with Capitol American Insurance Company and continued this line of work until retiring in the late 1990s. While the Manning Bootery was no longer a full-time business, Emmett continued to sell shoes to anyone who asked.

Emmett was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He enjoyed golfing, playing euchre, snow skiing, bicycling and going to ball games with his kids and friends. Emmett was a memorable man. His favorite activity was to hang out with his kids, grandchildren and friends.

On Tuesday, October 11, 2005, Emmett died unexpectedly at San Diego, California. He was 74 years, 3 months, and 19 days of age.

Emmett's parents and a nephew Michael Frenking precede him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna Mullen of Manning; three children: Thea and husband Tom Weinandt of Omaha, Nebraska; Marty Mullen and wife Sue of San Diego, California; Rourke Mullen and wife Stacie of Manning; eight grandchildren: Abby, T.J. and Zach Weinandt; Michael and Matthew Mullen and Jenna, Hanna and McKenna Mullen; two sisters Nadine and husband Walter Robetor of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Noreen and husband John Frenking of Omaha, Nebraska; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.