John “Mer” Wesley Mullaney, age 75, of Butte, Montana

Walkerville lost a gentle giant, an icon and all-around good man on April 11, 2025. At the age of 75, John (Mer) Mullaney said his final “See Ya Later” and peacefully drifted off to sleep, surrounded by his family.

In his final hours, Mer wanted to be surrounded by his friends and family. Many came to say “goodbye” and reminisce about the shenanigans they enjoyed together throughout his life. When they’d leave, he would always say in a cheerful voice “See Ya Later”.  He didn’t like “goodbyes” so he would never say it.

Mer, the oldest of four, was born on October 16, 1949, to Jim and Wilene Cortese Mullaney. He was later joined by brothers Butch and Gary and sister Shari. He and his siblings enjoyed many outings with their parents going to Biltmore Hot Springs, hunting, fishing, killing rattlesnakes, hiking hillsides picking enough mushrooms to fill a bathtub, and camping by the side of a river.

He grew up in Walkerville and attended Sherman School, East Junior High and graduated from Butte High in 1967. After high school, Mer worked in numerous positions, but this work lasted only as long as the next adventure presented itself. Then he was off exploring the country with whatever friend had the idea of getting out of dodge and into whatever laid ahead. Usually trouble.

From grade school on Mer was a popular Walkerville boy and a lady’s man. The Fonz had nothing on Mer and the girls absolutely loved him. He told stories of Walkerville brawls and how he never got involved because he was much smarter than that. When all the fighting was taking place, he was sneaking out the backdoor with their girlfriends.

He was a phenomenal baseball player playing in Legion baseball and was the best second baseman in the league but could confidently play any position on the field.

Mer was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jim and Wilene; son, John Mullaney; his brother, James (Butch) Mullaney; and sister, Shari Johnson.

Mer survives and is deeply missed by his brother Gary (Lana) Mullaney, brother-in-law, Ken (Laurie) Johnson, nieces and nephews, Jori (Mike) Schrapps, Kelsi (Mike) Skinner, Kenna (Brandt) Matosich, Whitney Johnson, Colton Johnson. Jody Mullaney, Jamey (Courtney) Mullaney, Josh (Trista) Mullaney, Leven Mullaney.

Mer had special bonds with many friends including Don Horn, Bob “Quili” Quilici,  Sid and Mary Olson, Pam and Sherri Peterson, Tony and Kathy Jangula and so many other Walkerville friends.

The family would like to recognize and give special thanks to Donny and Amy Horn for always being there for Mer and to brother-in-law Ken for continually being by his side until he passed.

Graveside services and reception are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Please visit below to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Mer.

Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Mer and his family.

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me; let me go, I have so many things to see and do.

You must not tie yourself to me with tears; be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love – you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown; But now, it is time I traveled on alone.

So, grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust.

 It’s only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories with your heart.

I won’t be far away for life goes on; so, if you need me, call, and I will come.

                                         Though you can’t see ·or touch me I’ll be near,

                                    And when we meet again we will have lots to cheer

                                          To all my Walkerville friends and motley crew

          Until then “See Ya Later” will have to do!

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