Clarence Rip Cullen

Clarence B. “Rip” Cullen, 89, of Beaver Dam passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at his home. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Annunciation Catholic Parish in Fox Lake from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Michael L. Wild will officiate. Inurnment will take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Dam with military honors conducted by the Beaver Dam American Legion Post #146. Clarence was born the son of Clarence P. and Juanita (Schemmel) Cullen on April 4, 1927 in Beaver Dam. He was married to Phyllis C. Klukaczewski on June 16, 1951. She preceded him in death on October 12, 2000. He was later married to Marion E. Schneider on October 20, 2001. Clarence was a 1944 graduate of Beaver Dam High School and then attended Wayland Junior College in Beaver Dam. He was employed as a master meat cutter, salesman for Gardner Baking Company in Madison, a salesman for Beaver Dam Bottling Company and a supervisor for Kraft Foods in Beaver Dam, retiring in March 1988. Rip was a former member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam and a current member of Annunciation Catholic Parish in Fox Lake. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Rip was a member of the Beaver Dam American Legion Post 146 for over 50 years. Rip was a member of Sunset Hills Country Club for over 40 years. Rip was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and enjoyed watching the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. He also loved supporting his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren during their various activities and sporting events. In his earlier years, his free time was spent golfing and hunting; deer, pheasant, grouse, ducks and geese. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing and playing cards. Throughout his life, he loved to travel. Rip flew on a Badger Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in April 2012 with 90 of his WWII colleagues. There he toured several of the many memorials dedicated to our nation’s military veterans. It was a wonderful experience of a lifetime for him! Rip is survived by his children: Terry (Jill) Cullen of Beaver Dam, Maureen (Daniel) Miller of Beaver Dam, Laurie (Dennis) Hanser of Nekoosa; grandchildren: Jennifer (Dave) Papak, Scott (Jamie) Hanser, Rachel (Andrew) Kallio, Matthew (Melissa) Hanser, Courtney Cullen and Connor Cullen; great-grandchildren: Lexia Hanser, Sawyer Kallio, Everett Kallio and Kennedy Hanser; step-great grandson, Oliver Schultz; a special niece, Sandra (Harry) Kaul; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; also surviving are Marion’s children: Joan (Mike Levenhagen) Schneider, Lynn Schneider, Karen (Andy Shrago) Schneider, Dave (Vicky) Schneider; as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Phyllis in 2000, and his second wife, Marion on May 16, 2016. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Badger Honor Flight or to the American Legion Post 146 of Beaver Dam. Rip’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Beaver Dam EMS, Beaver Dam Police Dept., Lt. Terrence Gebhardt, and the Dodge County Medical Examiner, PJ Schoebel. Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.