Daniel Cullen

Daniel Cullen

September 26, 2024

Daniel Cullen, loving husband, proud father and father-in-law, devoted grandfather, brother, scientist, mentor and friend, died peacefully at home on September 26, 2024, with his family beside him.

Daniel was born in 1952 and grew up in Huntington, New York, with four siblings and some wild adventures. He especially enjoyed accompanying his stepdad to his farm in upstate New York. After graduating from Stony Brook University, he found his way to Madison where he earned his PhD from the UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology in 1981, the same year he married the love of his life, Jeanne.

After conducting research at a biotechnology company in California, Daniel and his growing family returned to Madison where he embarked on a 40 year career as a fungal geneticist at the Forest Products Laboratory. He loved his work and never stopped. He was a distinguished scientist, known and respected internationally for his solid contributions to his field of expertise. He published prolifically, developing productive collaborations with scientists here and around the world. He mentored numerous graduate students, co-workers and technicians, always with wisdom, kindness and by example.

Daniel's love of his family was boundless. It's impossible to overstate his unconditional support for Jonah, Peter and Julia. Nothing was too much to ask of this man, whether as a hockey dad, soccer coach, dance enthusiast, tutor, driver, sound advisor, gentle guide and fan. The special bonus in his life was the birth of his dear twin grandchildren, Julian and Louise, who brought him immeasurable joy during the four years he had with them, to hug, play with and thoroughly revel in their every milestone and word. The twins, in turn, adored their "Ono".

Daniel was a student of history, a fly fisherman, sailor, surfer, handyman, mechanic, movie buff, Packer, Brewer and Badger fan, and lifelong motorcyclist. He was smart, funny, generous, compassionate and always provided a measured and steady response, most of all when the family faced great difficulty after losing our beloved son, Peter. He guided us all through our grief.

Recently, Daniel took a moral inventory and determined that overall he had lived a charmed life. He credited all the people who had a positive influence on him; he said that number was so large he lost count.

To those who knew Daniel and have sent their heartfelt messages, his family thanks you. Following a private service at his favorite fishing spot in Montana, we will gather in Madison in the spring of 2025 with friends, family and colleagues to share stories and favorite memories. More information as the date and location will be forthcoming.

Daniel was deeply loved and will be missed each and every day.