Donald Cullen
May 2, 1925 - June 9, 2017
Montague, MI

Donald Cullen, age 92, was greeted in Heaven on June 9, 2017 by Jesus, Nina, and Cheryl (we can all hear Cher saying “Hi Papa!, That’s my Dad!) along with other family members and friends, including Peanuts, Lady and Maggie.

Don was born in Detroit (a true Tigers and Red Wings fan) to Joseph and Alice (Voy) Cullen on May 2, 1925.

His siblings Gordon, Marg and Jo preceded him in death.

His brother ______,
sister-in-law ______
and dear friend ______ Ekstrand still cherish the memories of his life.

Don attended John Grace Elementary School and was drafted in 1943 at the age of 18. He wanted to follow brother Gord into the Army however their quota had been met for the day. The recruiter said “Congratulations son. You’re a Marine”. Don served with honor from 1943-1946 including the battle at Iwo Jima. Upon returning, the chaplain stated that Corporal Don Cullen and others “Would never go to hell, as they had already been there”. Don spoke very little about serving but was rewarded by participating in the Legends Flight to the WWII memorial several years ago.

After the war Don with his brother, Jack, worked for the Forestry Division of Parks and Recreation for the City of Detroit. They were known as tree artisans.

Don was never without a job and one year filed 13 different W-2 forms.

When Don’s parents moved to Whitehall, MI he would often ride from Detroit on his motorcycle to visit, trying to never touch his brakes for the whole trip.

Don met the loved of his Life, Nina Roberts, at the White Lake Golf Course. They were married August of 1951 and went on to have “five brats”. Over the years his family would grow to include 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Don was very proud of all of his kids and loved being a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Don worked hard and played hard. Over the years he logged trees for Marion Hunt, pulled hides at the Tannery, painted for a commercial painting company in Muskegon, including the inside of the Consumers Power Plant and the William D. Munroe Gymnasium. He privately painted houses and was also employed at Howmet.

Don enjoyed hunting with his boys and golfing. He also enjoyed “hunting” for errantly hit golf balls as well. Don held the White Lake Golf Course record for decades shooting a 64. He was the Club Champion in 1954 and 1956. At the age of 69 he shot his age with a 67 at Old Channel Trail and holed three aces at three different courses all on hole number 13.

Don lived in Montague for 64 years until moving to White Lake Assisted Living last year, after an eight month rehab at Heartland of Whitehall for a broken hip. The family would like to thank the staff of “on earth angels” at those facilities who cared for him so professionally and lovingly.

Don was a communicant member of St. James Lutheran Church and truly enjoyed Pastor John Brooks visits, friendship, communion and sharing the Word of God. “We will love you “fore-ever” Dad and we will see you in Heaven!”

Family
Don's family includes his Daughter, ______ Cullen-Benedict and her husband ______ Benedict of Whitehall;
3 sons,
______ and his wife ______ Cullen of Twin Lake,
______ and his wife ______ Cullen of North Muskegon,
______ and his wife ______ Cullen of Montague;
13 Grandchildren,
granddaughter ______ and her husband ______, granddaughter ______ and her husband ______,
grandson ______ and his wife ______,
grandson ______,
granddaughter ______,
granddaughter ______,
grandson ______,
grandchild ______,
granddaughter ______ and her husband ______,
grandchild ______,
granddaughter ______,
grandchild ______
& grandchild ______;
4 great-grandchildren
great-grandson ______,
great-grandchild ______,
great-granddaughter ______
& great-grandchild ______.
brother, ______ and his wife ______ Cullen of Detroit.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nina in 2010 and daughter Cheryl in 2016.

SERVICE
Don’s Homecoming Service will be Thursday, June 15, 2017, 4:00 pm at Clock Chapel - Muskegon, 1469 Peck Street, with Rev. John Brooks officiating.

Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery Montague.

MEMORIAL: St. James Lutheran Church