Matthew Joseph Mullen, 49, De Soto

Matthew Joseph Mullen, 49, of De Soto died Dec. 19, 2021, in De Soto. Mr. Mullen was a Native American advocate. He grew up in the Chicago area and in 2017 moved to De Soto. He graduated in 1991 from St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Ill. In 1994, he and his mother started Native American Arts, which supports Native American artisans by purchasing authentic Native American arts and crafts and selling them in retail stores. With his father, Mr. Mullen worked to amend the Native American Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 that prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Native American arts and crafts products in the U.S. Mr. Mullen was a tribal member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, which has an executive office in Black River Falls, Wis. He loved spending time with his family, and he enjoyed boating and snow skiing. He also liked designing and building projects, including finishing the basement in his De Soto home. Born June 10, 1972, in Chicago, Ill., he was the son of Mary (Decorah) Mullen of Black River Falls, Wis., and the late Michael Patrick Mullen Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years: Michelle (Hayes) Mullen of De Soto, whom he met during high school. He also is survived by four children: Matthew, James, John and William, all of De Soto; and four siblings: Michael II and Daniel, both of Black River Falls, Wis., Timothy of Lombard, Ill., and Edward of Frankfort Square, Ill.

Visitation will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 29) at Buswell Funeral Home, 106 S. Second St., in Black River Falls, Wis. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday (Dec. 30) at the funeral home. Burial will be in Decorah Cemetery in Black River Falls, Wis. Arrangements are under the direction of Buswell Funeral Home.