John Edward Mulvaney

John Edward Mulvaney was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Feb. 2, 1936, to Chester and Alice Mulvaney, and passed away at home in Billings on Jan. 27, 2017.

John was raised in Colorado, graduating from Longmont High School in 1954. From 1955 to 1959, John proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, receiving an honorable discharge. In July 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Wille. After two years in Oahu, Hawaii, they returned to Colorado with their baby girl, Brenda. Three sons, Doug, Jeff and Tom, completed their family. In 1970, American Beauty Macaroni transferred John and his family to Billings. He serviced grocery store accounts in Montana and Wyoming. In 1980, he began a home repair/handyman business, retiring from that in 2009.

As a teen and young adult, John was active in sports. Later, he became a very faithful fan to his children and grandchildren's sports and music events. Family was his priority. He loved camping outings, road trips, and hosting family and friends in their home. John really enjoyed driving their motor home throughout many states and Canada.

John served God in many ways, attending prison Cursillos, doing kitchen duties for the Walk to Emmaus weekends, and giving his time to children's ministries of all ages, from grade schoolers to teens, but especially the babies. Organizing annual Christmas caroling parties for 15 years was one of John's favorite pastimes. It pleased him to see the smiles of the shut-ins they would sing to. John loved to tease, joke and give big hugs to family, friends, food servers and healthcare workers.

John's parents, two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. He is survived by sister-in-law Georgene; brother Don (Rhonda); three nieces and three nephews. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Barbara; daughter Brenda (Bill) Wuertz; sons Doug (Polly), Jeff and Tom; and grandchildren Larissa, Brett, Beau, Madison, Max and Brooke Mulvaney, Riley, Blaine and Shelby Wuertz; and his Shih Tzu buddy, Buckaroo.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 328 Shiloh Road, in Billings.

Our family is very grateful to Dani Heser, Synergy and the many wonderful healthcare workers whose care for John is so appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: Emmanuel Baptist Church; Walk to Emmaus, c/o First United Methodist Church; or RiverStone Health Hospice.