Dr. Patrick John Mulligan

Dr. Patrick John Mulligan passed away on June 29, 2011 after courageously battling brain lymphoma for four months. He was born on October 28, 1932 in Bancroft, Iowa, the son of Frank and Florence Mulligan in a family of eight children. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Mulligan; their son, Mark J. Mulligan, MD, of Atlanta, Georgia and his wife Susan A Mulligan, MD; their daughter, Molly J. Mulligan, MSW, of Manitou Springs, Colorado and her husband Battalion Chief Keith Buckmiller, CSFD; and their daughter-in-law Nancy F. Mulligan, DPT of Broomfield, Colorado. Their beloved son, Michael P. Mulligan, MD, preceded him in death. Patrick is also survived by seven grandchildren (Rachel, Patrick, Ford, Maria, Mackenzie, Brennan, and Gwen); two brothers, Thomas and Kenneth Mulligan; and two sisters, Marilyn Healey and Margie Menke.

Patrick attended St. John’s High School in Bancroft. A basketball scholarship sent him to Creighton University, where he completed pre-professional studies. He studied dentistry at the University of Iowa (D.D.S., 1956) and pursued postgraduate training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the U. of Pennsylvania and Boston Naval Hospital. He was board certified in oral surgery.

Patrick served his country as an Air Force dentist and oral surgeon for over thirty years, including service at the Air Force Academy, 1969-70, and in the Viet Nam War, 1971-72. His military career and their love of new places led Patrick and Joan to 50 states and 10 countries. He rose to the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1985. He then helped train the next generation of oral surgeons as an Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, first at Creighton University and then the University of Colorado Dental School. The Senior Dentistry Students at Creighton selected him as the Outstanding Clinical Faculty Member in 1987, 1988, and 1989.

Patrick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a man of deep faith. Papa was thrilled with his seven grandchildren and very proud of each one. He had a zest for life that endeared him to his large extended family. He loved people and their life stories, and his fun-loving, outgoing personality touched many. His passions included the mountains, national parks, biking, unearthing antique bottles, reading history, and replanting and nursing evergreen trees. His family and friends cherished his sense of humor and stories of boyhood on the farm.

Services will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 22 West Kiowa, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Vigil (Rosary) will be Thursday, July 14, 7:30 p.m., and the Memorial Mass on Friday, July 15, 10:00 a.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.