Mark F. Mulvihill

Mark Francis Mulvihill, age 66 of Cottage Grove died Monday, January 20, 2015 at University of Minnesota Medical Center. Mark was born September 25, 1948 in St. Paul, MN to Ralph and Grace (Dosh) Mulvihill. He was a graduate of Humbolt High School in 1966 and joined the US Marine Corps in 1967. He landed in I Corps South Vietnam at the age of 19, spending most of his time in combat in the An Hoi basin and in and around Marble Mountain. Mark was wounded twice during combat engagements and was awarded the Bronze Star with "V" for Valor, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit, Presidential Unit, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, nine campaign awards and Good Conduct. He extended his tours in Vietnam twice. Upon returning home, Mark married Debby Strand on November 14, 1970 in West St. Paul. He has served as Director, team leader and counselor at the VA in Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Donald Ralph, Bernard Joseph and James Roger Mulvihill. Mark is survived by his wife of 44 years, Debby; three children Eric of Apple Valley, Philip of Cottage Grove and Diane of Cottage Grove; six grandchildren Tristen, Breanna, Jocelyn, Jasmine, Marcus and Caleb; siblings Connie (Jerry) Christ of St. Paul, Mary Lou (Ken) Pirkl of Eagan and Ronald (Katherine) Mulvihill of MD; also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The Funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. Rick Banker will be held 11 AM Friday, January 30 at the Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th Street South in Cottage Grove. Visitation will be held 4-8 PM Thursday, January 29 at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 East Seventh Street, Hastings and one hour prior to the service at church. Pallbearers are James Mulvihill, Jim Christ, Michael Mulvihill, Brian Mulvihill, Neil Mulvihill, Patrick Mulvihill, Drew Lukas and Doug Pirkl. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.