MILTON, WIS. >> Steven (Steve) John Cullen, age 63, died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017. Steve drowned when his kayak overturned in a violent storm on Oneida Lake, N.Y. while pursuing his dream of kayaking America's waterways. Steve was born May 16, 1954, in Milton, the son of Stephen "Ward" and Regina "Del" (Fanning) Cullen. He graduated from Milton Union High School. He was employed in various industries in Rock, Walworth and Dane counties over his working career.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Margaret Ann Montanye. Steve is survived by his sister Janet George (Jerome George) of Anchorage, Alaska; brother-in-law Rodney Montanye of Milton, Wis. and three nephews, Aric (Melissa) of Green Bay, Wis., Kurt (Stephanie) of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Mark (Brenda) of Mukwonago, Wis. He will be remembered as a wonderful brother, a generous uncle, cousin, neighbor and adventurer. A smile from Steve was contagious, and laughter was abundant, particularly with the nephews during back yard football games, ski trips and crazy adventures in the hay mow. For family and friends blessed enough to have had him in their lives, the laughter and joy that he brought in his quiet way will live forever in our hearts.

Steve was a humble person who in retirement enjoyed his garden, his cats and his chickens. He was known by members of the rural community as "the guy on the bike." His bike was his primary mode of transport, even in the harshest Wisconsin winters. Steve will be remembered for preserving a simple lifestyle. A man of few words, he demonstrated a life worthy of admiration. He did not indulge in the spoils of the modern world but rather nurtured and marveled at the natural beauty of this world. He loved hiking in the National Forests and kayaking the rivers of this great country. He would take off at a moment's notice on a voyage of discovery--down the Wisconsin, the Missouri and the Mississippi Rivers. His first trip down the Erie Canal years earlier exposed him to a rich American history and it became his favorite journey. Only Mother Nature could deter him on this his final journey.

A visitation in memory of Steve will be held on Saturday, Sept. 2 between 4-6 p.m. at Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton.
Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton
128 S. Janesville Street 608-868-2542
www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

There is nothing Steve respected more than the "Spirit of the Trees." In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Steve can be made to the National Arbor Day organization (https://shop.arborday.org) or National Forests (http://thetreesremember.com/memorial-trees/).

Special thanks to the United States Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Coast Guard; Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego counties and the towns and villages surrounding Oneida Lake whose vigilance helped find Steve and bring him home. Our eternal thanks.
Published in The Oneida Daily Dispatch on Aug. 31, 2017