Bernie was born in Saginaw to Patrick and Blanche (Barnes) McCullen. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1948 and was employed by Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 40 years. Bernie enlisted in the US Army and proudly served his country for 3 years during the Korean War. He married Jean Ittner in 1954 and raised a family in Saginaw. Bernie liked to play softball, golf, bowl, fish, travel, read, and play cards. He had a strong faith in God and was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by Jean in 1980; his eight siblings; and his step-son, Steven Shuster. Bernie is survived by his second wife, Nancy Rice McCullen; daughter, Patrice (Ron) Beaton; son, Mark (Roxanne) McCullen; step-daughter, Susan (Mark) Paxton; step-son, William Shuster; grandchildren, Amanda, Gregory, Katherine, Jennifer, Brittany; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, Oct. 24 at Oakwood Cemetery in Saginaw. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bernie may be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1020 Court St, Saginaw, MI 48602 or to a charity of your choice.
Please visit www.grdewitt.com to share memories with the McCullen family.
