Timothy F. Cullen

1944 - 2024

Janesville, WI - Timothy F. Cullen, age 80, a lifelong resident of Janesville, passed away on December 23, 2024, at SSM St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, with family by his side. He was born in Janesville on February 25, 1944; the son of William F. and Margaret E. (Ford) Cullen. Tim graduated from Janesville High School in 1962 and from UW-Whitewater in 1966, where he lettered in tennis all four years.

After college, Tim served in the United States Army Reserve and briefly taught high school before winning a seat on the Janesville City Council in 1970. Soon thereafter, Tim met and became the district director for U.S. Rep. Les Aspin. Four years later, at 30 years old, Tim was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate where he served from 1974-1986, including five years he proudly served as the Senate Majority Leader. Governor Tommy Thompson then appointed Tim as the Secretary of Health and Social Services, which included overseeing the Department of Corrections. In 1988, Tim began his twenty-year private sector career as the Vice President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of WI. He "retired" in 2007, but his passion for public service called him to run for office on the Janesville School Board, a seat he took that same year. In 2010, he decided to run for and was once again elected to his old Senate seat from which he retired in 2013.

Throughout his life, Tim privately advocated for and served his community in countless ways, with many of his efforts focused on attaining equal opportunities for all children, fighting for racial and gender equality, and putting an end to partisan gerrymandering. To name a few- with his friend and former State Senator Dale Schultz, Tim toured the state to speak with many communities about the need to end gerrymandering in WI. He started the Tim Cullen Government Institute Internship Program for Janesville high school students interested in a career in government. He began the Janesville Multicultural Teachers Scholarship in 2008, with the goal of hiring and retaining more teachers in the Janesville school district who represented the growing multicultural makeup of the students it served, funded entirely by private dollars. He served on the board of Common Cause Wisconsin for over 20 years, including five years as Chairman. He proudly worked on the commission that developed the Marquette University Les Aspin Center for Government. His sightline in all of these areas led to his desire to author three books, Ringside Seat: Wisconsin Politics, the 1970's to Scott Walker, Disassembled; A Native Son on Janesville and General Motors, and Wisconsin Gerrymandering: The Fight for Permanent Fair Maps and Why it Matters. Tim lived a life of service and believed deeply in democracy, and in justice for the underprivileged and working class.

Tim married Barbara (Mork) Cullen on July 1, 1984, at their home in Janesville. They shared 36 years of marriage before her passing on February 16, 2021. A proud Irishman at heart, Tim lived a life full of passion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. While known for his impactful work, to those who loved him most, he was simply Dad - ever present at our milestones, always cheering us on with pride, and offering sage advice when we needed it most. Whether he was walking the course with his daughter, Katharine, or his golf buddies (rarely a cart) or enjoying his standing lunches with his brother Tom, his son, Mark, or his lifelong friends, Tim cherished his friendships and connections. His door was always open to his children's friends, especially when they came by to enjoy a swim or spend a day on the boat skiing. He made everyone feel welcome. He was an avid fan of good conversation and stories- he never missed an opportunity to engage, teach, and impart his knowledge to those around him. His deep respect for the past and his commitment to understanding its lessons were integral parts of who he was. We take comfort in the lasting impact he had on all of us. His legacy will live on in all of those he touched, both personally and professionally. He lived fully, loved deeply, and gave selflessly.

Tim is survived by his children: Katharine (Riley) Grafft, Erin (Shawn) Jacobson, Loren (Brad) Fellows, Mark (Elenore) Mackinnis, and Michele (Kent Mounce) Mackinnis; grandchildren: Brock and Connor Mackinnis, Cooper and Tate Jacobson, Sloan Fellows, and Baby Boy Grafft on the way, whom Tim was overjoyed to one day meet; his brother Thomas F. (Carole A.) Cullen; nephews: Brian (Sara) Cullen (their son Michael), Todd (Amanda) Cullen, and Tim J. Cullen; and many extended family members and friends including his faithful canine companion, Pedro.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Barb, his son Timmy, and his parents William and Margaret Cullen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church; with visitation held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 3rd at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to either the Janesville Multicultural Teacher Scholarship Fund or to the Janesville Boy's and Girl's Club Capital Campaign. Schneider Funeral Directors is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com