Michael Powell Mullen

Under the dimming light of a mid-autumn eventide, Michael Powell Mullen, 77, passed gracefully from mortality on October 29, 2025 in Kaysville, Utah, his hand sweetly locked in a sacred clasp with his sweetheart, Ann Marie Mullen. Though his gifted hands are stilled, their influence remains, most profoundly evidenced in the lives of those he touched.

Born in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota on June 22, 1948 to George Straith Mullen and Margaret Ruth Clair, Michael grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin. His early years were spent exploring the wooded hills along the St. Croix river. Early on he developed a love for Scouting, woodworking, drawing, drumming, and football. These passions would remain with him throughout his life.

After graduating from Hudson Senior High School in 1966, Michael attended college at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and later attended dental school at Marquette University. Further studies led him to a distinctive career in oral surgery. During his senior year of dental school, rooted in a fervent love for his country, he joined the U.S. Navy. Stationed at hospitals in Southern and Northern California, as well as serving in Spain, Guam, and two years on the USS Enterprise, he would often comment that many of the best things in his life came from the decision to join the Navy.

Underscoring his devotion to country, Michael also had a strong foundation of faith in God and in Jesus Christ. He grew up attending the local Episcopalian congregation in Hudson with his family. Having been introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by fellow classmates in dental school, and after gaining a personal witness, he decided to be baptized in 1975.

While stationed at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA he met, courted, and won the heart of Ann Marie Hansen. Their union was sealed eternally in the Oakland Temple on October 9, 1981. Their lives would later be blessed with the addition of two sons, Christopher and Joseph.

In 1994, after 20 years of diligent service in the Navy, including 8 years overseeing the oral surgery training program at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA, Michael retired from the armed forces and went into private practice, where he continued to serve patients for another 21 years. His gifted hands and brilliant mind made him an able and sought-after surgeon. He worked in private practice as an oral surgeon in Roseville and Folsom, CA for the remainder of his career. He was sincerely devoted to the welfare of his patients. That devotion carried over to his service through church callings, including scoutmaster, bishop, and stake president. Central to all he did was his continual support of his wife and sons. His hands were as comfortable rolling a set of drumsticks in a classic rock band as they were ministering to those under his stewardship. They held pen and ink, carving knives, and manned woodworking tools in the crafting and creation of delightful and meaningful works of art. His diligence and generosity shaped him into a man who was beloved by many in all walks of life.

After his retirement as an oral surgeon, Michael was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of serving a mission for the Church. He and Ann Marie served together in the Hyde Park Visitor Center in London, England. There, they grew to love the city, and more importantly, the people. Upon their return from that mission, they moved from Granite Bay, CA to Farmington, UT. After serving there as service missionary coordinators, they returned to London, this time pouring their hearts into a mission in the London Temple.

Second only to his faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, Michael’s greatest joy came from his family. His favorite times were those spent all together both at home and when travelling, and he often said that the best investment was in the memories he made with his family. He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie, his sons Christopher (Jenna) and Joseph (Ana-Lisa), and his grandchildren: Landon, Mary Claire, Hannah, Henry, Daniel, Parker, Linnea, and Annika. He also cherished his relationships and frequent interactions with his brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. We are confident he had a sweet reunion on the other side of the veil with his mom, dad, and his sisters Mary Clair and Georgia Ann, who preceded him in death.

In his typical fashion, Michael made notes in his journal over 16 years ago about what he wanted to express at his passing. As a family, we echo his own words in a desire to “express [our] gratitude for all your courage, love, and kindness.”

Friends and family are invited to gather for a viewing at the Russon Mortuary, 1941 N Main St, Farmington, UT 84025 from 6-8 pm on Thursday, November 6. An additional viewing will be held at the Somerset Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1885 Summer Wood Dr, Farmington, UT 84025 from 9:30-10:30am on Friday, November 7. Funeral services will follow, starting at 11am. 

For those unable to attend in person, services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below. Interment to follow at the Farmington City Cemetery.