Brian E. Mullin

Brian Edward Mullin passed away unexpectedly Feb. 17, 2025, in Corning, at 67 years of age. Funeral Services will be 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23, at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Corning. Pastor Jeff Eason and Pastor Paul Vandevender will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Corning. Open Visitation will be 1:30 – 3 p.m., with family receiving friends 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., prior to the service.

Memorials may be directed to the family, to be established. Condolences and online memories may be shared at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Brian said hello to this world in the midst of a blizzard on April 1, 1957, to parents Donald D. Mullin and Patricia Anne (Gillespie) Mullin. He was the fourth born, in the middle of eight children. Brian grew up in Creston. He attended St. Malachy Catholic School and graduated from Creston High School in 1975. A budding artist, he set out to study art at Aberdeen State College in South Dakota after graduation.

As a child, Brian had many adventures with his dog Molly and friend Kenny White. His adventures also included trips in the family station wagon with his large family. Brian loved building models of rocket ships. He also played Peewee baseball and had two paper routes, spending most of his income buying ice cream treats from White Way Dairy.

Brian met his wife Vicki Sue Henry through mutual friends in the fall of 1978 at her alma mater in Maryville, Missouri. They had an eight-week courtship and were married on Dec. 23 in the midst of yet another winter storm. Brian gained two sets of in-laws; Vicki’s parents, Linda and Roland Sleek Sr. of Pennsylvania, and her Great-Aunt Ada and Uncle Joe Connolly of Corning. Brian and Vicki soon welcomed two daughters into their lives; Sarah Anne in 1983 and Rachael Lea in 1987. He cherished every moment spent with them; teaching them about God and other life lessons, sharing his love of the arts and, of course, how to ride bicycles. The family moved around a lot, but settled at their forever home in Corning in 2005, where Vicki grew up.

Brian was an avid bicyclist and local folks always knew it was him every time they passed a bicycle in Southwest Iowa. He loved nature and all creatures great and small. He enjoyed nothing more than finding a good deal and frequented many flea markets, antique sales and thrift stores. He shared a love of Victorian houses with Vicki.

Brian was an extremely gifted artist which became his true calling. Anyone who knew him could testify to that. Most of his artwork was based on Biblical themes, along with many architectural paintings and portraits. His favorite mediums were watercolors, acrylics and pastels. He was an expert at drawing hands, as he felt he was using his hands to glorify the Lord. He studied and took courses in engineering and drafting in his adult life to further his skill set and had several jobs using those skills. He worked on projects ranging from billboards to murals, logo designs and structural engineering.

Brian was a true DIY-er and a “Mr. Fix It,” taking on all repairs he could on his home and cars. He especially took pride in exterior design, including shingling his home and working on his barn project. He loved being outside as much as possible and enjoyed mowing and gardening in the warmer months.

Brian was able to enjoy international travel. He went to Bolivia on a mission trip with Sarah in 1998 and to Austria and Germany with Vicki in 2015. His most recent trip was an Alaskan Cruise this past July with his immediate family. Cherished memories were had by all.

The most important thing to Brian was his faith. He loved his Savior Jesus Christ and tried to walk humbly with God. He failed at times, as all humans do, but in troubled times he knew he could reach out to touch God’s outstretched hand, to pick him up when he fell. Brian’s greatest trait and love language was expressing his faith in generosity to others, whether through acts of service or financial help, when he was able. The man never met a stranger.

He is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; brothers-in-law, John Sleek and Rob Dietrich; nephew, Jon Reeck and niece, Sheila Franks.

Brian is survived by his wife, Vicki, of 46 years; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah (Jesse) Kroese and Rachael (Josh) Foutch; his seven surviving siblings: Thomas (Molly) Mullin, Martin (Timothy) Mullin, Peggy (Rob) Dietrich, Bill (Julia) Mullin, Nora (Ronnie) Sprague, Paul (Pat) Mullin and Gary (Michelle) Mullin. Brian is also survived by brother-in-law, Roland R. Sleek Jr. (Craig), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Though our loss of Brian is unbearable at this time, we know he is at peace in paradise with his loving Savior. We will miss him, but we will cherish the memories.