Vernon Cullen

Vernon ?Buzz? Cullen Fargo, North Dakota Vernon passed away on Friday, December 19, 2008 in the Hospice Suite at Elim Care Center in Fargo at the age of 83. Vernon Joseph Cullen was born on July 19, 1925 to Thomas A. and Alvina R. (Lucier) Cullen in Fargo, ND. He was raised and educated in Fargo until he was drafted into the Navy in 1943. He was at Camp Farragut, ID for boot camp and gunnery school. As part of the LST246, he went out on sea duty and received four battle stars. He returned home on March 4, 1946. He married Mae Elaine Hanson on July 20, 1946. They raised their family in Fargo. He started working at the U.S. Post Office one week before the wedding and worked there continuously until 1980 when he retired. Vernon and Mae Elaine spent their winters in Mesa, AZ and summers at Long Lake, MN after retiring. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Vernon was recently honored by the National Association of Letter Carriers for being a 60 year member of the union. In 2007, Vernon and his son, Steven were among the first to travel with the Honor Flight to visit the memorial in Washington, DC. It was a special and affirming experience for both of them. Vernon is survived by his wife, Mae Elaine of Fargo; his children, Steven (Marilyn) Cullen of Hawley, MN; Timothy (Marlene) Cullen of Marion, IA; Michael Cullen of Fargo; and Lori Cullen of Iowa City, IA; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren (and one on the way). He is also survived by his siblings, Clayton Cullen of Fargo; Arlene (Donald) Lien of Fargo; Robert (Ethel) Cullen of Fargo; Jeanette (Merlin) Johnson of Meridian, ID; and Sharon (Richard) Fradet of Moorhead, MN. He was preceded in death by parents, siblings: Lorraine Dunavold, Thomas A. Cullen, Jr., Lloyd F. Cullen, Evelyn Schott, and Donald P. Cullen. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Red River Valley. FUNERAL: 2 PM Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at St. Mary?s Cathedral in Fargo VISITATION: one hour prior to the funeral in the church on Tuesday BURIAL: Holy Cross North Cemetery in Fargo Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo.