Connie Jean Cullum

She was born May 5, 1938 to Clinton and Helen (Richter) Castor and spent her childhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan

As a young girl, Connie loved horseback riding and excelled in school. Her “can-do” spirit was evident even then, and she delighted in sharing stories of the summers she spent traveling across the country as a youth camp counselor. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree with honors in sociology from Beloit College in Wisconsin. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob Cullum. They married in 1960 and shared more than 65 years of love and devotion, raising three daughters together.

Over the years, their family lived in Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans before settling in East Lansing, Michigan, where they became active and deeply connected members of the community. Connie volunteered her time as a Girl Scout leader for her daughters, served on the Woman’s Board at Sparrow Hospital and was elected President of the Hospital Auxiliary. For many years, she also worked alongside Bob at the Pretzel Bell Restaurant, which they owned together.

Connie found joy in life’s simple pleasures—tending her garden, reading a good book, sharing stories about her ancestors, and creating a warm, welcoming, and well-organized home. Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life and was reflected in her deep commitment to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where she served faithfully on numerous committees and as a church leader.

Connie and Bob cultivated lifelong friendships in East Lansing, at their beloved cottage in Northport, Michigan, and during winters on Longboat Key, Florida. They cherished time with these dear friends over shared meals, Gourmet Club, Michigan State sporting events, evenings at the symphony and theater, and summer concerts at Music in the Park in Northport. The friendships they built over the decades enriched their lives and became an extension of their family.

Above all, Connie was devoted to the people she loved. She took a genuine and enduring interest in the lives of her six nieces and nephews—Lynn, Mark, Drew, Shelley, Todd, and Megan—and treasured the special relationships she shared with each of them. Nothing brought her greater happiness than gathering with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, especially during holidays and at the family cottage in Northport.

Connie’s quiet wisdom, loyalty, and steadfast love offered comfort and guidance through life’s pivotal moments. Her enduring devotion to Bob, her unwavering commitment to family and friends, and her strength of character leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Clint E Castor Jr, son-in-law Jeffrey C Wynveen, brother-in-law Jim Cullum and sister-in-law June Cullum.

Survivors include her husband, Robert W Cullum, daughters; Catherine M McKinstry (Kurt), Christine A Wynveen (the late Jeffrey), Carol D Winstel (Thomas), nine grandchildren; Molly Milliman (William), Melissa O’Brien (Patrick), Mitchell McKinstry (Hannah), Blake Wynveen (Morgan), Matthew Wynveen, Kelly Wynveen, Allison Winstel (Adam Fisher, fiance’), Margaret Dankenbring (Mark), James Winstel, six great grandchildren; Mackenzie and Edward O’Brien, Ezra and June McKinstry, Sadie Milliman, Ella Dankenbring, and many special friends including the Campos family.

A celebration of Connie’s life will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1315 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI on Monday, August 31 beginning with a visitation at 10:00 am followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1315 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823 or to Parkinson’s Foundation (please find links below).