October 6, 2023 at 11:25 a.m.
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Updated October 6, 2023 at 11:25 a.m.
Robert “Bob” Cullen, age 87 of Ridgeway-Dodgeville passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday September 26, 2023 at Crestridge Assisted Living Center.
He was born the son of Elmer and Marie (Paull) Cullen of Ridgeway. He graduated in 1954 from Ridgeway High School. From a young age, Bob worked side by side with his father Elmer on the Northern Ridgeway soil of the Family Dairy farm. Robert was lucky enough to marry Carolyn McGann, his high school sweetheart, on February 14, 1957. Together they farmed the Cullen Homestead and laid a foundation of family, work ethic and love. He and Carolyn were married for 52 years before her passing in 201
Bob was never intimidated by hard work and knew the value of a firm handshake and a person’s word. Bob was so very proud of his second career at Hallada Motors Ford Dealership. He started working at Hallada’s in 1975 as a salesperson until his semi-retirement in 1999. He accomplished many regional sales awards, selling over 10,000 vehicles throughout his career. Bob continued to work at the dealership supporting the business in any way he could until the young age of 83.
He cherished his work and the friendships he made over the years, however that could not compare with the value he put on his family. Bob loved nothing more than having his family close by. Family get-togethers were filled with good food, fun stories, and countless games of Euchre (he usually won). Bob was also very grateful for his friend Shirley Everson whom he held dear, together they found adventure whenever possible. Bob had a big heart and made room for many to be a part of his life, he truly was one of the most genuine persons you could ever meet.
Bob is survived by his children, Julie (Todd) Martin of Dodgeville, Jean (Tim) Solberg of Ridgeway, and Jason (Whitney) Cullen of Dodgeville; his grandchildren, Jenna (Jason) Palzkill, Elizabeth (David) Digman, Katherine (Ryne) Ponsler, Lucas (Laura Hadfield) Solberg, Leah (John Kieler) Solberg, Jackson Cullen and Danni Hess; great-grandchildren, Allison, Clayton, Jessie, Maxwell, Cullen, Jayne, Sally, Stella, Ralph and Millie; his sisters-in-law, Mary Jean Rounds, Betty McGann; and brother-in-law, Dean Murphy.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, his sisters Linda Isherwood and Betty Hahn, his daughter-in-law Sandra Hess Cullen and his infant brother, Jack.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at ST. BRIDGET’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Ridgeway. Burial was held in St. Bridget’s Cemetery. Friends called from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ridgeway Community Center would be appreciated.
His family would like to thank the staff of Upland Hills Hospice and Crestridge Assisted Living for their dedicated and compassionate care.
Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers
Funeral Home
www.gorgenfh.com