In loving memory of

Michael McCulloch
January 23, 1958 - June 9, 2019

Cottage Grove
Michael Alan "Mike" "Cully" McCulloch, age 61, passed away unexpectedly while competing in the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon on Sunday, June 9, 2019. He was born January 23, 1958, the son of Malcolm James "George" and Evangeline Mary (Endres) McCulloch. Mike grew up in Monona and after graduating from Monona Grove High School in 1976, worked for his dad and uncle at the El Rancho Supermarket in Madison. He continued to build his career with Roundy's Supermarket and has been with Certco Inc for the last 22 years as Director of Meat, Deli, and Bakery.

Michael was united in marriage to Lisa Marie Hinkel on August 15, 1987, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Monona. They were married thirty-one years and together raised their dearly loved daughter Erin Elizabeth.

Mike enjoyed participating in triathlons, biking, ballroom dancing, hiking, traveling, reading, and was an avid Wisconsin sports fan. He touched the lives of so many through his family, friends, work, and hobbies. His one-liners would bring raucous laughter to a group, while his empathy and compassion one-on-one was genuine and comforting. Mike was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife Lisa; his daughter Erin; his siblings Sharon (John) Swiatek, Dave (Luann Watters) McCulloch, and Jeffrey McCulloch; along with substantial extended family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Terry, Toby, and Bill "Rosco" McCulloch, and his father- and mother-in-law David and Nancy Hinkel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Chad Droessler presiding. Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 pm and also from 10:00 am until the time of Mass on Thursday at the church.

Memorials may be made to Gilda's Club or the American Heart Association.

Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
608-837-9054

Tributes

Lars Dahl wrote on Jul 5, 2019:

"Mrs. McCulloch and Erin, good morning. My name is Lars Dahl from Stafford, Va. I am writing to you both today to offer up my deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences for your loss. Judging from what I have read on Mike's obituary, he was an extraordinary man with a big heart for people. I am also writing to you today because I was one of the two triathletes in the water with Mike during the race. I am a retired US Marine with 22 years of service. Early in my career, I was a search and rescue swimmer in Hawaii. I mention this only to let you know that we stayed in the water with Mike for about 15 -17 minutes until we eventually got him into a boat to take him to shore. I want you both to know that we did everything that we could do to help him. I thought that you and Erin would want to know that Mike was not alone and that most of the time, I was holding him in my arms. After the race was over, I spoke with my wife Sarah and daughter in Virginia about what had happened. Sarah immediately sent out an urgent prayer request all over the country to be praying for Mike, you and Erin. So, please know that we continue to pray for you and Erin during this very trying time. If you should need anything or have any questions, please let me know, my contact information is below. I will be in Madison for the full race in September. We are praying that the God of peace and love will overwhelm you during this time of sorrow. In His service Lars Dahl 540-379-2973 sbrlars@icloud.com"

Sandy Henshue wrote on Jun 14, 2019:

"My condolences to Mike's wife and daughter. I knew Mike through Gilda's Club where he brought to us the proceeds from Rosco's Ride and continued his involvement by providing turkeys at Thanksgiving for our members and their families, Mike always wanted to know what more he could do. You could see the sweetness in his soul! He will be missed on this earth. Sandy Henshue"

C Davis wrote on Jun 13, 2019:

"My deepest sympathy to you all for the loss of your dear loved one. May the "God of all comfort", comfort you all during your time of sorrow. 2 Corinthians 1: 3 & 4. C D"

Paul Piper wrote on Jun 13, 2019:

"Mike was our friend and we celebrate Mike's life knowing he is now with our Lord and Savior... Mike will always be in our thoughts and prayers... God's Blessings to Mike?s Family and Friends ? ?? Paul & Hope Piper"

Kelly wrote on Jun 12, 2019:

"To all who knew Mike and his family, I am truely sorry for your loss. I have know Mike for 12 years. He was one of a kind and loved what he did. Such a passionate man with care and respect for all. I will miss his conversations and expertise in his field. God gai ed an angel. Prayers and peace."

Bill Bennett wrote on Jun 12, 2019:

"I came to know Mike as a customer. I was impressed by his integrity, honesty and genuine concern for the people he dealt with. My prayers go out to his family and all of us who mourn the loss of this good man. May the Good Lord welcome Mike to his eternal home. Bill Bennett"

Therese Thompson wrote on Jun 12, 2019:

"I first met Mike through a mutual friend and then later at IHM Parrish. We ushered at the Saturday 5:00 Mass. We often shared stories and laughter. Mike was a Remarkable man and gave his Heart and Soul to his Family, Friends and Faith. I will miss him and will pray for his family during this most difficult time of their lives. Rest in Peace Mike. You will always be a Winner and Never Forgotten."

Leia and Ryan Esser wrote on Jun 12, 2019:

"Lisa and Erin - Our deepest and most sincere condolences for your loss. We lived next door (319) for nine years and have fond memories of Mike. He was a wonderful neighbor and someone we truly admired. I loved seeing Mike biking about country roads and he could always be counted on to have the tightest and most pristine lawn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you; please take care of yourselves. "

Bojan Bozic wrote on Jun 12, 2019:

"My heart goes out to your family! Wish you nothing but piece and love! He will be missed! -Bojan "

Jerry Meylor wrote on Jun 11, 2019:

"Don't think of Mike as gone away. His journey has just begun. Life holds so many facets and earth is only one. Just think of him as resting from the laughter and the tears. He is in a place of warmth and comfort. Where there are no days and years. As everyone has said Mike was a great person and a friend to all. He always had a great sense of humor and a smile on his face. I'm going to miss you my friend. My prayers and condolences go out to Lisa, Erin and your family. Jerry Meylor a friend and former coworker. "

Jay and Michele Kiefer wrote on Jun 11, 2019:

"Our prayers to his beautiful wife Lisa and Daughter Erin. The neighborhood will miss you Mike."

Ken Rater wrote on Jun 11, 2019:

"Mike was a great guy and longtime customer. He was a pleasure to business with and I'll always remember him as a First Class Director. My thoughts and Prayers go out to His Family, Friends, and Loved Ones...?.Ken Rater / TPM"

Catherine Henderson wrote on Jun 11, 2019:

"My condolences to your family. Mike was a wonderful man. Please be assured of my prayers. Catherine Henderson IHM"