Charles John McMullen

Charles J. McMullen, age 90, of Richland Center died Monday, January 6, 2020, at Department of Veterans Affairs in Tomah. He was born in Chicago, IL, the son of Charles & Emma (Flood) McMullen on November 25, 1929. His brother Bernard was born 3 years later. He attended Holmes School and Calumet High School in Chicago. In April 1950 Bette Zeglen bumped into him at the A & P and the earth stood still for a moment. Life was changed forever. They were married on November 10, 1951 for 68 years. Charles was drafted into the army in June 1951. His brother was killed in a motor scooter accident and Charles was deferred until September 1951. He was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for training in the artillery, where Charles and Bette were married on a 3 day pass. In January 1952 he was flown to Japan, on arriving he was put into the infantry. The army asked for volunteers and his hand went up and he was put into the 101st Signal Corp. He was in Korea for 18 months. Charles came home on his dad’s birthday on August 20, 1953 a very happy day. In 1954 he became a Chicago fireman for 15 years on Truck 15, Squad 8, Fireboats where he dove into the Chicago River and Lake Michigan helping those that drowned or boating accidents. He was also on the Snorkel Squad. After the fire department he worked construction. He was also a member of the Carpenters Union and Millwright Union for many years. The good Lord gave Charlie three wonderful children Maureen, Kathy, and Charly who he loved with his whole heart and now there are 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and a great great on the way. In 1969 the family moved to the Five Points area and bought a beautiful farm and they became dairy farmers for 25 years. It was quite a learning experience. After retiring Charles & Bette moved to Richland Center and he had the time of his life. He belonged to the American Legion, VFW, Disabled Vets, Forty & Eight, and also he become a Mason & Shriner. The men in the organizations always treated him with respect, helping him when he had problems. He was an extraordinary man that didn’t to great things but so many small things that mattered. Charles McMullen’s life was never boring, he did it his way. Survivors include his wife Bette McMullen of Richland Center; 3 children Maureen (Norm) Davis of Viroqua, Kathy Maly of Soldiers Grove, Charly (Latisha) McMullen of Tomah; 10 grandchildren Jessica (Jim) Bellomo, Beth Reinert, Amber (Scott) Berhorst, Emily Davis, Dawn (Jim) Berghorn, Sean (Shawna) Maly, Michael (Elizabeth) McMullen, Matthew McMullen, Taylor (Naomi) McMullen, Brooke McMullen; 12 great grandchildren and a great great on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and all his many relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 10:00 AM at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center where the local Military Honors Unit will provide military honors at the funeral home. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:30 PM. Visitation will also be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 9:00 AM until the time of services at 10:00 AM. Burial at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Rolling Ground will be held at a later date.

Charles John McMullen

November 25, 1929 - January 6, 2020