Stephen P. Mullins, a package printing professional for 40+ years and past chairman of FTA’s Excellence in Flexography Awards Committee, passed away in early August, one month shy of his 65th birthday. Two years earlier, he closed out a 40+ career in package printing and converting.
He was born Sept. 12, 1956, in Saint Paul, MN, grew up in Mendota Heights, MN, and graduated from Saint Paul Technical College. His journey as a flexographer, spanning from 1976-2019, brought him from Champion Packaging in Minneapolis, MN to American National Can in Boscobel, WI and onto Exopak in Tomah, WI. He resided in nearby Star Prairie, WI.
Paul Lancelle of Miraclon Corp, who succeeded Steve as Awards Committee chair in 2014, remembered, “Steve was one of the most caring and compassionate people I’ve encountered in this industry. A quiet, humble man, but an extraordinary ‘leader by example.’ He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others.
“We interacted on several different levels over the years, but one of his greatest influences on me personally was in his role as FTA Excellence in Flexography Awards Committee Chair,” Lancelle continued. “He displayed a level-headed approach focused on consistency, fairness and ‘getting it right,’ all while maintaining his quirky sense of humor and dry wit. He was certainly a tough act to follow and, true to his nature, was always willing to lend guidance and support after I followed him in the Awards Chair seat. I consider myself very fortunate and blessed to have known him as a friend. He will be greatly missed by many.”
Mark Cisternino, FTA president, added: “Paul really nailed it in his comments on Steve’s demeanor. Even in his quiet moments during the awards judging process, you always knew his wheels were turning. When he finally did speak, people listened intently. I had a great deal of respect for this trait in him.”
Known as a “tinkerer,” Steve spent countless hours in his garage workshop, albeit only while not hunting or fishing from his cabin. From project list to bucked list, Steve navigated life, always kindling a sense of adventure. Just 15 days prior to passing, he convinced family members to join him in skydiving.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Deb; children, Jenny (Ryan) Holmberg and Stephen J; grandchildren, Erin and Owen Holmberg; plus five siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. The family requested that anyone wishing to remember Steve, please plant a sugar maple tree to honor his love of tapping trees and making maple syrup.