Albert John Mulder

Albert John Mulder, beloved husband, father, and Opa, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in 1944 in IJsselstein, Netherlands, Al was the cherished son of Albertus Mulder, baker to the Queen of the Netherlands, and Maria Lambrecht. At age ten, Al, his brother Chris, and sister Mary immigrated to the United States with the support of their uncle Marinus "Ries" Mulder, an esteemed artist and professor of art in both the Netherlands and Indonesia. Arriving through Ellis Island, the family settled in San Francisco, where Al quickly embraced the promise of his new homeland. It was in San Francisco that Al fell in love twice—first with America, the land of opportunity, and then with the woman who would become his lifelong partner, Arlene Borges. While studying at San Francisco State University, Al proposed on bended knee to Arlene on the very day an earthquake shook the city, marking the start of a love story as resilient as it was extraordinary. They married just one month after his graduation in 1966 with a BS in Business, and would go on to share 59 years of unwavering devotion.

Al's professional journey was as dynamic as his spirit. Recruited by General Electric into its prestigious rotational program, he advanced through assignments in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and New York. His "dream job" came when GE entrusted him with running Disneyland's Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland, where Al brought imagination to life and reveled in creating the spectacular. Ever a master of relationships, he made full use of Club 33, entertaining clients with charm and vision. Later recruited by General Exhibits & Displays in Chicago, Al combined his engineering expertise with an eye for design and a commitment to excellence. He rose to become President of Superior Exhibits, leading teams that designed cutting-edge displays for major corporations worldwide. Mediocrity was never an option for Al- he believed in exceeding expectations and inspired all around him to do the same. He once traveled 360 days in a single year to be present for his clients—an example of the pride and dedication he brought to his work.

Settling in Arlington Heights, Al supported Arlene as she became a pioneer in launching Title IX women's sports and embraced his role as the "Mayor's wife" for 20 years. Together, they built a life rooted in service, community, and love. Beyond his professional and civic life, Al lived passionately. He was a tennis player, a Formula 1 enthusiast, a devoted supporter of the Dutch National Soccer Team ("Hop Holland!"), a voracious reader, and a Sudoku puzzle master. Music was always blasting in his home, fueling both joy and reflection. He was also a world traveler, enjoying numerous expeditions with his family to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Al will be remembered for his tough love, unshakable work ethic, fierce pride in family, authenticity, and unrelenting belief in democracy and opportunity. He lived with determination, integrity, and a gratitude shaped by his immigrant journey. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Albertus and Maria Mulder and his brother, Chris. He is survived by his devoted wife, Arlene; their children, Michelle, Alison, and Michael; grandchildren Ries, Samantha, Max, Ethan, Sophie, Channing, and Addison; and his sister Mary Peartree and daughter-in-law Kara Mulder. His love, vision, and example will live on in each of them.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Glueckert Funeral Home from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm (1520 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004). Mass will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11am at Our Lady of the Wayside Church, located at 434 W. Park Street in Arlington Heights, IL. Interment will immediately follow at Saint Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine, IL.

The Funeral Mass for Al will be Livestreamed on Monday, September 15 at 11am and is accessible using the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/live/ZOLTTg3vAHM