Robert (Bob) Edmund Mullikin

Robert Edmund (Bob) Mullikin was born August 23, 1926, to Melvin and Daisy (Mott) Mullikin at Doran, MN. He moved with his parents to Bemidji, MN in 1936. Bob graduated from Bemidji High School in 1944 and joined the US Navy where he was sworn into Naval Intelligence and served in the South Pacific until June of 1946. He attended Bemidji State College and then entered the sales and marketing field.

In 1949, he married Adele Maher in Bemidji. They moved to Moorhead, MN in January of 1951 and Bob joined MONY as a sales representative. In 1961, he opened his own agency with Lincoln National Life, with offices in the Black Building where he remained until July of 2002. His greatest joy in business was helping train new people to become successful in the insurance business. His zest for living was passed on to many people in the process. 

In 1980, he added a wholesale insurance marketing company called The Brokerage House. In 1984, he sold his agency and established an insurance training company named Professional Training Institute of America, Inc. which he continued to operate until 2011. 

Bob enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening and playing and writing music. His country band – The Roadrunners - brought enjoyment to many in MN, ND and Canada, as they would play while on hunting and fishing trips. 

He especially enjoyed his lake home on Long Lake that he built in 1963. He and Adele made it their permanent home in 1993. She passed away in l998 and he continued to live at the lake until 2019. His greatest lifetime memories were the gathering of the complete family at his lake home for holidays and special celebrations. He also had a special group of six golfing friends that came from all parts of the US each July for over 25 years to play golf and enjoy the fellowship of each other.

Even with the usual medical setbacks, Bob always had a positive attitude and enjoyed life to the fullest. He always had a story or song to share with someone.

He is survived by his son, Dan (Doris) of Pelican Rapids; His daughter-in-law, Vickie of Dilworth; three grandchildren Ryan (Michelle) Mullikin, Shannon (Bryan) Bienek of Dilworth and Shauna (Ben) Yliniemi of Osage and seven great grandchildren, Shelby and Megan Mullikin, Jack and Gracie Sannes, Jace Bienek, Liam and Hailey Yliniemi and baby Yliniemi due in December; and special friend and partner, Jean Jacobson along with several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Adele; his sons, Tim and Patrick; one brother and three sisters.

Bob loved the MN Twins and the MN Vikings. At the family’s request, please wear your favorite team apparel.