John D. Mullen, co-owner of Stage Technology, died September 23, 2005 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was 50.

Born March 12, 1955 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Mr. Mullen was an actor, singer, and comedian. He graduated from O'Gonnan High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and received a bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University.

He was involved in summer theater productions in the upper Midwest, including Guys and Dolls, Barefoot in the Park, Damn Yankees, and Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up. He was a member of Troupe America in Minneapolis, Minnesota and donated countless hours of his time building sets, hanging lights, and directing shows.

Mr. Mullen will be remembered for his performances in the Sioux Falls area with musical friends as the Crabgrass Crew.

He became the technical department manager for Norcostco. Eventually, this led him to New York City where he filmed a number of television commercials including national spots for Burger King, and a cover photo for Newsweek magazine.

In October1990 he became the catalog division manager for SECOA/TRS, and in December 2002 he joined forces with Niles Sayre to form Stage Technology, Inc.

Mr. Sayre said "Not only was John our colleague at Stage Technology, he was our friend.  He will be missed here, and I am sure that he will be missed by the theatre community."

Mr. Mullen's survivors include his wife Cindi Mullen; daughters Colleen Mullen, Pamela Mullen, and Jessica Schmidt; their mother Holly Herman; and a grandson, Isaac. He also is survived by a host of friends and relatives.

Donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Minnesota in memory of Mr. Mullen, 1660 Highway 100 South, Suite 530, St. Louis Park, MN 55416. Please include a note that an acknowledgment should go to Cindi Mullen.

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