Joe Kullen, 43, of Oelwein passed away on Monday March 17, 2025 at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday April 20, 2025 from 1:00 PM-7:00 PM at Events On Frederick in Oelwein with military honors beginning at 4:00 PM. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. The Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein is assisting the family. www.geilenfeldfh.com
Joseph Daniel Wayne Kullen was born on December 27, 1981 to parents Timothy and Dawn (Heins) Kullen. Joe (JFK) was a self-proclaimed pro golfer. He was not very good, but he loved it. He loved the Bears, even though they sucked. He had an avid love for baseball along with the Iowa football and basketball teams. Joe was always the life of the party and always had a joke to tell, even when they didn’t make sense, his laugh was what made them funny. Joe absolutely loved his friends and family and would always enjoy sitting on the deck with them enjoying a drink. Alongside his wife and children, Joe’s most loving friend was his cat, Fat Kevin. The bond between Fat Kevin and Joe was like no other. JFK was always known for having sunshine in his pocket.
Joe’s charming personality won Abby over while working at the Mealy Family Restaurant in Oelwein. In their 23 years together, their proudest joys were their two sons: Dylan and Tyler, family and friends. Joe and Abby always loved to have fun together. For example, if you ever ran into them while out of town, you would probably know them as Parker and Naomi Jackson as they always changed their alias just because they could. To Abby, Joe has always said: “Do you know what I love about you? EVERYTHING.”
Joe joined the army in 2002 and served for 10 years before being honorably discharged in 2012. After joining, Joe graduated basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. Joe joined Bravo Co. 1-133 infantry in Oelwein. He deployed to Sinai, Egypt in 2003-04. Joe served in Iraq from 2005-07. He then was deployed to Afghanistan from 2010-11 before being discharged after ten years. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Joe was a fantastic leader and any soldier would follow him anywhere. While serving, Joe was awarded with the following awards: Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, the NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, Multinational Force and Observers Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicle Clasp. All in all, JFK was a badass. You will be missed by many, loved by all, miss you NERD. Regulators mount up and Bear Down.
Joe is survived by his wife, Abby Kullen; and three sons, Dylan of Oelwein, Tyler of Cedar Rapids, and Fat Kevin of Oelwein; his mother, Dawn Kullen of Marion, Brother, Nate (April) Kullen of Oelwein; Sister, Helene (Chris) Child of Maynard; sister in law, Kathy (Tony) Johnson of Minn.; brother in law, Cash (Jenna) Kice of Minn.; Grandchildren, Chase, Gina, and Ruby; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and millions of friends.
Joe is preceded in death by his father, Tim Kullen; mother-in-law, Colleen Kice; grandparents, Jeanne and Dale Kullen, and Wayne and Ardith Heines; uncle Larry Skiles; and aunt Andie Hirsch.
