WILMINGTON — Ivan Dale Mullen was a truly special and remarkable man who made a lasting impression on all those who knew him. After 79 years, his earthly life ended on June 16, 2026, but the impact of his life will live on in the hearts of family and friends.
He was born April 5, 1947 in Curtis, Nebraska, the son of William E. Mullen and Evelyn Flock Mullen. In addition to his parents, Ivan was preceded in death by his sisters, Donna Mullen, Ina Mullen, Linda Ryberg, and Anitha Miller-Halverson; brother, Virgil Mullen; and his number one canine companion, Rosie.
Ivan is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Olga S. Mullen; sons, Mark Enfield (Brenda) and Andrew Enfield (Keri); grandchildren, Alexis Enfield and Nicolas Enfield; sisters, Connie Neill (Tim) and Diana Curry; many nieces, nephews and friends.
In his younger years Ivan proudly served in the US Army.
Ivan Mullen was a generous man, not just monetary, but with his kindness, appreciation, and love – Love for family, friends, employees, and love for his country. Much love and pride for his two sons, Andy and Mark; his grandson, Nic; his granddaughter, Alexis (the princess) and let’s not forget “Rosie” his beloved little dog. Special love for his daughter-in-law, Keri for spoiling him by cooking his favorite meals when Ivan and Olga visited in Louisiana and when they visited us. Always had enough to freeze for later. Love to daughter-in-law, Brenda for introducing us to Pastor Jerome and taking us to his church, The Bridge of Life where Ivan accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was born again.
My friends became Ivan’s friends along with their spouses forming a special bond of mutual friendship, respect, admiration and love with surprise birthday celebrations thrown in.
Ivan became group president with Fleming Food Company. Under his leadership the four divisions he managed were in Lafeyette, LA, Dothan, AL, Miami, FL, and Warsaw, NC. He led with respect, appreciation and care for all of his employees. They in turn came to love and respect him and to this day remember him well. The words respect, appreciation and love came up in every aspect of his life and to everyone who crossed his path and none more so than for his wife Olga of 44 years. The words “Love of My Life” is so spot on when it comes to my Ivan. A most generous, funny, and best sense of humor guy. A once in-a-lifetime connection of deep trust and love to weather hardships that come and willingness to work through them together. And more so when Ivan was diagnosed with ALS five years ago and a diagnosis of bone cancer in February of this year. Holding his hand and kissing him, telling him he was so loved was a gift for me as he passed. Ivan was “The Love of My Life”, Olga.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider a memorial gift to ALS.org in memory and honor of Ivan.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here
