Patricia R. Cullen, age 91, went home to be with the Lord on February 29, 2024. Her gentle nature and servant spirit touched the lives of many. Pat was born on November 1, 1932 in Dubuque, IA. Pat was the oldest of 14 children born to Frank and Rita (Schauer) Welp. Pat was united in marriage to Jerome (Jerry) Cullen on June 7, 1952 at Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Menominee, IL.

Pat and Jerry were married 71 years, raising their 13 children on the family farm outside of Platteville. Pat enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, canning, and playing euchre and cribbage. Pat especially loved spending time with her family. Pat was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville, where she was a volunteer in many capacities. Pat also volunteered at local nursing homes, always giving of her self and time.

Pat's strong faith was the foundation of her home, and even in the midst of her battle with Alzheimer's disease, she could recite the Lord's Prayer without missing a word.

Pat is survived by her husband, Jerome; twelve children, Deb (Gary) Capps, Steve (Connie Jo) Cullen, Marge (Cliff) Tennessen, Betty (Ken) Johnson, Kenny (Joan) Cullen, Terry (Patti) Cullen, Andy Cullen, Missy (Rene) Kleinhanzl, Vicki (Dave) Steinbach, Jen (Kurt) Opgenorth, Tom (Melissa) Cullen and Jerry (Stephanie) Cullen; son-in-law, Bob Busch; 46 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Joyce (Edwin) Kuhle, Maisie (Jim) Schlegel, and Gail (Joe Vosberg) Welp; three brothers, Paul (Sarah) Welp, Glen (Philly) Welp, and Greg (Diane) Welp; and many nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by her daughter, Connie Busch, grandchildren, Chris Capps, Tom Tennessen, Laura Tennessen, Abby Cullen and Ben Cullen, her parents, and siblings, Frank, Jr. “Bud”, Arlene Smothers, Marilyn Walsh, Noreen Merfeld, Russ Welp, Tom Welp and Jim Welp.

Pat's family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the kind and caring staff at Orchard Manor in Lancaster, as well as the St. Croix Hospice staff that assisted Pat in her final days.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville, at a later date. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 11:00AM at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Memorials may be made to Pat Cullen Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Patricia Cullen

November 01, 1932 - February 29, 2024

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