Tom peacefully passed away surrounded by family on August 7, 2011, thankful for all that he had received and given. Tom was a treasured father, son, brother, and friend who will be missed by all he touched. He was born September 23, 1962, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joseph R. and Charlene Mangin Mullins.From the moment he could read until the end and in part due to his Irish heritage, Tom loved and appreciated the beauty and consequence of the written word, be it poetry or prose. History was his delight, with abundant references sprinkled throughout his speech. Tom's eclectic knowledge was legendary to all who questioned anything. He joined his father in the love of horses and harness racing. Although tone-deaf, Tom loved and sought out wonderful music of many genres. His wit and sense of humor- dry, wet, and at times bitingly real will be missed.Tom was a 1980 graduate of Hudson, Wisconsin Senior high school, a 1985 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, and a 1989 cum laude graduate of Marquette Law School. He was one of the founding partners of the Gass Weber Mullins law firm, and an accomplished trial lawyer. Tom was a certified civil trial specialist, with many successful trials in which he passionately defended his clients with his entire being. He was recognized with the highest ratings by his peers, including the highest possible rating from Martindale-Hubbell and recognition as a Wisconsin SuperLawyer. Tom was a mentor to many younger lawyers and a valued advisor to his partners.Tom is survived by his daughter, Natalie; his father Joseph R. Mullins of Pleasant Plains, Illinois; his former wife and still friend , Christine Mullins; his brothers John L. Mullins (Wynne Laufenberg) of Rochester, Wisconsin and Joseph M. Mullins (Betsy) of Rancho Santa Fe, California; and his nieces Sarah, Emily, Shaelyn, and Ryann. He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlene Mangin Mullins, and grandparents Leslie J. and Beatrice (Beatie) Mangin, and John J. and Ella Mullins.Memorial gathering at the Funeral Home, Thursday, August 11, 3:00-7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Lung Association or to St. Luke's Medical Transplant Program.
