James Mulvaney

James Thomas Mulvaney, 75, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at his home under the care of Lakeland Hospice.  He was born October 27, 1933, on the family homestead in Ameret, Minnesota, the son of John and Bertha (Lutro) Mulvaney. He grew up in the Mankato and Janesville area where he attended school. On November 30, 1957, he married Geraldine “Geri” Mulvaney in Janesville, Minnesota.  Jim started working at the age of 19 at E. F. Johnson in Waseca, Minnesota, where he became foreman of the paint department during his 12 years of employment there. He then became part owner of Spinners Liquor Lounge in Mankato with his partner Rolly Faltersack. During this time Jim enjoyed all his friends and especially the visits by the Minnesota Vikings players during their training camps in Mankato in the 70’s. After ten years he retired from the business. In 1976 he joined AFLAC where he became district and regional managers. Jim and his family moved to Fergus Falls at this time. Jim worked for AFLAC for 11 years. During this employment he and his wife, Geri, traveled to Hawaii, the Bahamas – on a cruise, San Francisco, Washington DC and Reno, Nevada to attend conventions. Jim received numerous awards during this time, and retired from AFLAC in 1987. He later worked for Sundance Photos for seven years, but had to retire due to health problems. He then worked at K-Mart during the Christmas and summer seasons. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls. Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family, and they often took trips to Canada and Alaska. In later years, Jim loved to garden, and many visitors commented on his gorgeous flowers, large radishes and cucumbers. He was also a wonderful writer of stories of the family. They were a joy to read – the humor he put into them was so special. He always had the video camera going taking pictures of family and relatives.   Jim loved his family very much. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Bertha Mulvaney; his son, Brad; his aunt, Margaret; a brother Jack Mulvaney; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Kienlen; a brother-in-law, Willis Oachs; nephews Dana Oachs and Steven Westberg; Special Forces nephew Troy Westberg; his mother and father-in-law, Ervin and Olga Westberg; and numerous aunts and uncles. Survivors include his wife, Geraldine “Geri” Mulvaney, Fergus Falls; his children: Mike (Becky) Mulvaney, Fergus Falls, Rod Mulvaney, Fargo, ND, Melissa Samuelson, Fergus Falls, Bret (Carmen) Mulvaney of Texas, and Marc Mulvaney, Fargo; five grandchildren: Kelly Glennon, Gina Mulvaney, Aaron Samuelson, and Michael and Matthew Mulvaney; a great-grandson, Gabe Mulvaney; two sisters, Kathy Sutter, Janesville, and Patty (Gary) Otto, Mankato; four sisters-in-law: Marlene Oachs, Shirley Westberg and Nancy (Steve) Johnson, all of Mankato, and Gladys Mulvaney, Fargo; four brothers-in-law: Gayle (Taz) Westberg, Tampa, FL, and Les (Wanda) Westberg, Gary (Mary) Westberg, and Dennis (Connie) Westberg, all of Mankato, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation:   5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with 6:30 p.m. parish prayers, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls Officiant:  Father LeRoy Schik Interment:  Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com