Gerald E. Mccullen

Gerald "Jerry" E. McCullen, age 94 of Midland died Monday January 14, 2013. The son of the late Otho and Gladys (Norcross) McCullen was born August 24, 1918 in Saginaw. Jerry was a 1937 graduate of the Kalkaska High School. Jerry served in the US Navy during WWII in the Seabees and served overseas in Okinawa. On June 1, 1947 he married the former Maxine Fryhover in South Boardman, MI and moved to the Midland area in the 1950's. Jerry was a member of the International Operating Engineers Local 324 and also owned and operated McCullen Excavating until his retirement in 1983. Jerry and Maxine traveled extensively in their motor home and loved to visit and enjoyed making friends where ever he traveled. He was a member of the Berryhill Post of the American Legion Post #165, was a Past President of the Midland Antique Engine Club, Past President of the Midland Folk Music Society, where he enjoyed playing the harmonica. Jerry had a great love of Blue Grass and Folk music. He will be remembered by many for the wagon and pony rides he would provide for the Chippewa Nature Center, various parades and at Christmas time.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Maxine; a son Alan McCullen of Kalkaska, daughter Carol (Louis) Dupuis of Hemlock, grandchildren Jason Ryal, Adam Ryal, Aaron McCullen, step grandchildren David Dupuis, Christopher Dupuis, Colette Fraser, Brian Dupuis and great grand daughter Jaylyn McCullen. Jerry is also survived by his sister-in-law Betty McCullen and was predeceased by brothers Cleo and Duane.

Funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am Thursday, January 17, 2013 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Shidler, Chaplain of Heartland Hospice, officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 and from 10:00 am until time of service on Thursday. Military honors will be under the Auspices of the Midland Area Vets and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team. Memorials may be offered to the Midland Folk Music Society.