Joe Cullen
March 10, 1929 ~ February 13, 2021
Joseph Cullen, 91, of Mount Vernon, died February 13, 2021, at Bickford Senior Living in Iowa City. Private Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mount Vernon, by Reverend Andrew Awotwe-Mensah. Burial: Mount Vernon Cemetery. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, is caring for Joe and his family.
Friends and extended family are invited to watch the Mass via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Joe's tribute wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
Survivors include his children, Mark Cullen of Iowa City, Laura (Robert) Ward of Mundelein, Illinois, Pat (Marie Konkowski) Cullen of Oak Grove, Minnesota, and Maureen Cullen of New Delhi, India; grandchildren, Nicole Cullen, Aaron Cullen and Meghan Cullen, Michelle and Spencer (Shannon) Ward, and Andrew Cullen and Sarah Cullen; and a great-grandchild on the way.
Joseph E. Cullen was born March 10, 1929, the son of Joseph and Helen (Brennan) Cullen in Des Moines. He graduated in 1947 from Dowling High School, in Des Moines. Joe joined the Army in 1952, serving for two years. After leaving the military, he earned his undergraduate degree from Drake, his Master's from the University of Iowa, and other certifications from Iowa State as well as the University of Northern Iowa. Joe met Ann Galloway through friends, and they were married in a quiet ceremony in Des Moines on July 1, 1960. Joe was the Mount Vernon Elementary School Principal for 23 years, retiring in 1992.
Joe was also a longtime active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a member of the Lion's Club. Joe enjoyed golfing and was an active member of the Hilcrest Country Club. He enjoyed playing local golf courses with friends. Joe and Ann loved to play bridge and travel, including many road trips across the US and even visiting Ireland, Egypt, Costa Rica, Dubai, and Italy. Joe also liked watching sports, including Iowa football and basketball, and the Cubs'he was especially proud to have seen the Cubs win the world series. His most cherished sports to watch were those that included his grandchildren'he treasured spending time with them in all of their activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ann; siblings, Suzanne, Jack, and Bill.
Memorials are suggested to Camp Courageous.
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Mr. Cullen was my principal all the years I was a student at Washington Elementary. He retired the year I moved on to the middle school. I still remember walking into the gym at registration, waiting for him to pull out the index card with my name, and then finding out who my teacher would be for the upcoming year. Years later, when I was in college, Mrs. Cullen and I were both in the inpatient rehab unit at St. Luke’s one summer. Mr. Cullen would come say hello, check on my progress, and bring me grapes since there wasn’t much else I was interested in having. So gentle and kind. Betsy (McWilliams) Brown Mt. Vernon
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Cullen family. I am a friend and classmate of his daughter Maureen. I first knew Mr. Cullen as my elementary school principal, and later got to know the family. He was always kind, friendly, welcoming and full of fun. A great guy who will be missed very much. Love and support to the Cullen family!
I would like to say sorry for the loss of a good man. He was always man of his word when we had our talks in his office. Our class of 77 was a little on the wild side from start to finish. He was man with great feelings and heart to be there in the sixth grade when my Farther passed. I just thought it would help to know some of the greatness he has brought to others and how everyone he had touched will miss him. God bless you all for sharing him with us. Mr. Cullen thank you and God Bless you . Randy Hanson
Laura, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
to mark, laura, pat, and maureen We have so many great memories of your mom and dad in Elkader and going to iowa football games They were great friends The waltons
Laura – I am sorry to learn of the passing of your father. I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Laura, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you and give you peace. Love you.
Laura, I’m sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura – you have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our heartfelt condolences with love and hugs to all the Cullen Family.
Both of my children attended Washington Elementary while Mr. Cullen was Principal. I always my children were safe and cared for. As a fellow educator, I regard Mr. Cullen as a wonderful professional. Blessed are the little children who come unto me. Blessed are those who care for them. Rest in heavenly peace. Gladys Jill Olsen
Pat, Mark, Maureen and Laura, My sincere sympathy. I’m so very sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. He was an icon in Mt. Vernon and so loved by all. He has been to our place several times and he and Ed always enjoyed talking about Elkader. Your Dad was such a sweet man and always a joy to be around. I remember how he would get so tickled laughing, he would get tears in his eyes. Wonderful memories of Joe Cullen. Annamae Baker
Laura I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
To the Cullen family, you have our deepest sympathy.
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Cullen Family.
Sending much Love to you all today as you remember and celebrate your dear dad. My thoughts are very much with you and the happy memories I have of him. XOXO
Laura, Bob, Spencer, Shannon and Michelle- This tree symbolizes Joe’s continuing presence on earth and forever presence in your hearts! The Katzners