Dennis W. Cullen

Dennis William Cullen of Hernando, Florida, passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 85 after a battle with Parkinson’s. He was born on October 15, 1939, in Reliance, South Dakota.

Dennis grew up on a farm outside of Reliance. He often shared stories of his early years in a farmhouse without electricity or running water, heated only by a wood stove. Dennis loved to talk about how easy life is now compared to his life 75 years ago. In 1952, his family moved to Chamberlain, South Dakota, after his parents, William (Babe) and Irene Cullen, purchased the Rainbow Café. It was there that Dennis developed his passion for cooking—one that carried through his life.

Dennis attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, graduating in 1962 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. While at college, he was a proud member of Delta Sigma Phi, where he met Diane Duffy—the woman whom the fraternity famously voted "most want to be shipwrecked with." Dennis and Diane married on June 2, 1962, immediately following graduation.

His career began with Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, later taking him to Buffalo, New York. In 1969, he joined General Mills Chemical Division in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was later acquired by Henkel Chemical. Over the years, he held various marketing and sales roles before being promoted to President of Henkel Japan in 1981. His three years in Osaka Japan were among the most memorable of his life. Returning to the U.S. in 1984, he took positions that moved the family from Victoria, Minnesota, to Darien, Illinois, before finishing his career overseeing the Henkel Chemical plant in Kankakee, Illinois. Dennis and Diane retired to a lake home in Neillsville, Wisconsin, in 1995.

After Diane’s passing on January 8, 2007, Dennis found love again and married Asoon Anna Collura on January 2, 2008. They made their home in the Terra Vista community of Hernando, Florida, where they spent the remainder of their years.

Dennis was a man of deep faith, devoted to his Catholic beliefs. He never missed Mass, even if it meant driving from a campsite to a nearby town to attend services. He was active in his church and community, volunteering as a coach, serving as PTA President (even famously taking on the formidable Father O’), and frequently serving as a lector. Known for his generosity, kindness, and tender heart, Dennis left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Determined and hardworking, Dennis approached life with an unyielding work ethic. In high school, during a footrace, he lost a shoe mid-race but kept running despite his bleeding foot—earning the nickname “One-Shoe Denny.” He carried that same perseverance into his career, often saying, "I’ve met people smarter than me, but I’ve never met anyone willing to work harder." That dedication paid off, leading to a highly successful career.

Among his greatest joys were the years spent at the family’s lake home in Neillsville, where he, Diane and later Anna, were legendary hosts. Summers and winters alike were filled with boating, skiing, golfing, fishing, snowmobiling, and storytelling around the campfire—especially the infamous, highly exaggerated tales told by his son Matt Cullen. Dennis ensured no one ever went hungry, serving elaborate breakfasts followed by scratch-made pizzas, fresh baked bread, high-quality steaks, and backyard burgers and brats. Everyone left with full stomachs and a need to diet.

Above all, family was Dennis’s top priority. His children may not have always appreciated his “help,” but he was never short on offering it.

Dennis is survived by Anna Cullen; his children, Belinda Bernice, William James, and David Todd; his grandchildren, Rachel Zenk, Rebecca Zenk, Renee Sievers, Amanda Black, Eli Cullen, and Elizabeth Loughnane; and his great-grandchild, Cullen Sievers. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene Cullen; his first wife, Diane Cullen; his son, Matthew Allen; and his grandson, Zach Zenk.

Dennis lived a life full of love, adventure, and unwavering dedication to those he held dear. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.