Cullen Clarence Clauser

Cullen, a gifted musician, graduated from high school in 1944. On June 17, 1944, he joined the Navy and served his country for the duration of World War II. In 1946, Cullen attended Sherwood Music School in Chicago. He graduated from Sherwood in June 1948 and matriculated to the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music in 1952. In 1952, Cullen directed the band and chorus at Nashville Community High School. In 1954, Cullen’s family moved to Alton, where he taught stringed instruments for 13 years. Beyond his full-time job, Cullen used his music talents in myriad ways both professionally and philanthropically. Most notable were his employment as the Midtown Restaurant organist for 33 years, Belleville Scottish Rites organist for 10 years, and the Gibault High School in Waterloo pianist for musical performances.

In 1966, Cullen earned a second master’s degree in audio-visual at Southern IL University - Edwardsville and then taught audio-visual classes at the university. In 1967, Cullen accepted a position of Audio-Visual Director at Belleville East High School. He earned an additional degree in library science at SIUE and then became the Instructional Materials Department Chairperson at Belleville East High School. In 1990, Cullen retired from education and established a business selling audio-visual supplies and office furniture to schools throughout the metropolitan area.

Active in his community, in 1979, Cullen was installed as a Mason at the Wood River Masonic Temple. In 1980, he became a Shriner and member of the Belleville Scottish Rites. In 1989, he was the recipient of the Scottish Rite Meritorious Service Award. Cullen was also a member of the Illinois Police Association. He volunteered on the Board of Human Support Services in Monroe County (1998-2004) where he served as chairman of the Membership Committee in 2005. He also served as past president of the 708 Board in Monroe County. One of his favorite past times was playing cards with friends and family.

Loving husband and father, Cullen will be dearly missed. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Marjorie, nee Gewe; daughters, Claire (Tom) Dickerson of Chesterfield, MO and Carla (Larry) Galle of Columbia, IL; and three grandsons, Michael Dickerson of Providence, RI; Dr. John (Dr. Sarah) Galle of Columbia, IL; and Andrew Galle of Springfield, MO.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Illinois Chapter. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Visitation: friends may call on Friday, August 3, 2012 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at the Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11:00 am at the funeral home,

Interment will be held in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois

Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois