Thief River Falls – Joseph “Joe” McMullen, 74, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND surrounded by his loving family.
Joe McMullen was born on September 14, 1951, in St. James, the son of Donald and Anna (McMorrow) McMullen with his twin sister, Joann. Joe was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Madelia, and confirmed at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Comfrey.
Joe graduated from Comfrey High School in the class of 1970. Joe was united in marriage to Jeanette Treml in 1972 and with this union, five children were born, Shawn, Steven, Scott, Jennifer, and Michelle. Joe and Jeanette built a farrowing barn in Gibbon, and began swine production while also being a Nachurs Fertilizer salesman. In 1979, they bought land near Plummer.
Joe and his family moved to Plummer in 1981 to fulfill his dream of being a grain and livestock farmer. Joe was an energetic entrepreneur as he wore many hats throughout the 80s and 90s, including, a regional sales representative for Pioneer Seed, real estate, contracted livestock hauling, and custom ag services. Joe was very proud of having his kids by his side throughout all of his business adventures.
Joe attended Conti­nental Auctioneer School in Mankato, in 1986 and immediately started his auction career which led into a family business, McMullen Auctioneers. The auction business grew as he sent two of his children, Scott and Jennifer, to auction school.
In 1999, Joe retired from farming. He then purchased a used car lot in Thief River Falls and the life of McMullen Sales began. Joe even furthered the family business by becoming a real estate broker and starting McMullen Realty.
Throughout Joe’s life, he always left an impression for being a caring and social individual with his great humor and always sharing his honest opinion. Joe always had an answer or advice for everything. Joe was also known for being late but then made up with it with his McMullen goodbye. His interactions with customers will always be remembered by his unique caring personality.
Among Joe’s proudest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Joe was proud of his Irish heritage and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day was always important to him. He took great pride in having signed all five of his children’s high school diplomas as Chairman of the Plummer school board.
Joe generously shared his talent by auctioneering for local benefits and announcing local parades. Joe was a member of the Minnesota Auctioneer Association, Plummer Sportsmens Club, St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Sons of the American Legion, and Minnesota Realty Association.
Joe is survived by his beloved children: Shawn of Palmetto, Florida; Steven (Margaret) of Mahnomen; Scott (Amanda) of Thief River Falls; Jennifer (Brandon) Vogel of Plummer; and Michelle of Thief River Falls. He was a loving partner to Clara Olson of Thief River Falls for the past ten years; his loving grandchildren, Mitchell, Blake, Dylan, Genevieve, Noah, William, Eleanor, Oliver, and Connor, who brought immense joy to his life; as well as the mother of his children, Jeanette (Treml) McMullen of Plummer.
Joe is also survived by his siblings: Donna (Thomas) Turbes of Lamberton; Barbara (Gene) Bertrand of Sleepy Eye; Joann McMullen of Springfield; Richard (Susan) McMullen of Comfrey; and James (Pamela) McMullen of Sleepy Eye, alongside several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Donald and Anna McMullen, and his infant grandson, Braden Vogel, whose memories remain forever in the hearts of the family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, with Father Bob Schreiner officiating and Father Matt Schmitz con-celebrant.
Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Monday.
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