Ralph Leo Cullen

Ralph Leo Cullen, age 88 of Platteville died on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the Southwest Heath Center in Platteville. He was born on June 1, 1934 in rural Belmont to Leo Franklin and Margaret Lillian (Kinch) Cullen. Ralph grew up in the Mount Hope area, attending all of his schooling at the Mount Hope grade and high school, graduating in the class of 1952. He attended the Platteville college. He married Joan Marie Weigel on July 16, 1956 at the Methodist Church in Mineral Point. They moved to Rockford where he worked for Sundstrand as an airplane parts inspector. He was drafted and joined the Navy in 1957. He served as a radio operator in many places in the world. He was discharged in 1959. Following his service he returned to Platteville and worked for Williams Tree Service, and then started his career with John Deere where he became a parts inspector working third shift. At the same time he drove a milk truck for Jenny Brothers Cheese Factory for several years going from using milk cans to a bulk truck. He put in more than 30 years working at John Deere. In retirement, he worked part time for Lands End in Dodgeville. In recent years, Ralph was living at Park Place in Platteville. Ralph loved gardening and the outdoors, especially growing roses, and camping and hiking. He was a talented wine maker. He loved singing and country music. He was an avid reader including Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey. He also loved watching westerns and police shows. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and loved attending family sporting events.
Ralph is survived by four children, Jeffrey (Kristine) Cullen of Beloit, Mark (Brenda) Cullen of Lancaster, Todd (Jen Briggs) Cullen Platteville, and Liana (Steve) Helbing of Belmont; one daughter-in-law Sue (Mark) Averkamp of Cuba City; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; three siblings, Lynn (Carol) Cullen of Blue Mounds, Lynda (Trinidad) Munoz of Texas, and Naida (Dave) McKay of Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan who died on March 26, 2004; a son Steven Ralph Cullen who died on May 13, 1997; a great-grandchild Gabi Dray; and a brother Grant.
A visitation for Ralph will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Melby Funeral Home in Platteville and from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church on Monday. A funeral service will be held on Monday morning, March 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church in Platteville. The Melby Funeral Home in Platteville is assisting the family.