Owen M. Cullen

Owen Michael Cullen, 19, passed away while surrounded by his family on March 5^th in Moorhead, MN.

Owen entered the game on January 29^th, 2002 in Wyoming, MN to parents Angie (Michels) Christensen and Peter Cullen.  Owen hit the ground running and was always extremely active.  From the time he could walk, he was skating with a hockey stick in his hands.  Hockey was a huge part of Owen’s life, and he took great pride in being a Moorhead Spud, like his dad, uncles and cousins before him.  Owen was involved in the Moorhead hockey program from the time he could skate and finished it out with some of his best friends on the Junior Gold team, with his dad coaching him.  He spent countless hours on the ice all over the state.  In addition to hockey, he played soccer from a young age through high school, and tried about every other sport or physical activity you can think of.

Owen was always looking for a new challenge, and lived on adrenaline.  He strived to find activities that were bigger, faster, and more daring to do.  While his desire to take some adventurous risks led to a multitude of various injuries, he somehow managed to never break any bones.  He loved hanging out with his friends, telling jokes, listening to music, and just having fun.  Owen always lived in the moment and enjoyed life to the fullest.  Often Owen’s antics would lead to someone shaking their head and saying, “Oh Owen…”.  Owen’s smile, laugh and genuine care for others would light up the room, and made him someone that people loved to be around.

Owen attended school in Moorhead and graduated high school early to fulfill his dream of serving his country by becoming a United States Marine at the age of 17.  He successfully completed boot camp on July 26^th, 2019 from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego as one of only two recruits to be meritoriously promoted to Private First Class.  Owen was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, assigned to the 2^nd Battalion, 4^th Marines (affectionately referred to as the “Magnificent Bastards”) in Echo Company as a Mortarman.

Owen completed one deployment, as part of the 31^st Marine Expeditionary Unit, to Okinawa, Japan and returned home in November 2020.  Owen achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and was extremely proud to be a United States Marine.

Owen is survived by his parents, Angie (Matt) Christensen and Peter Cullen; sister, Emma Cullen; grandparents, Tom and Jolinda Michels and Alice Cullen; aunt, Allison (Travis) Smith and their children, Kya and Kallie Smith; aunt, Ednah Michels; uncle, Scott Michels; aunt, Carolyn (Jeff) Dorney and their children, Ryan, Lindsey and Meghan; aunt, Barbara Round and her children, Ellen, Will, Allison and Cullen; uncle, Patrick (Shari) Cullen and their daughter, Amanda; and his beloved dogs Samson, Spuds, Snickers and Ruthie.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ivan and Juanada “Jo” Camrud, Pat Cullen, Sr.; and his beloved dogs, Sniper and Skittles.

Owen finished the game with countless goals scored, a lifetime worth of memories, some of the best friends and teammates anyone could ask for, a loving family, a selfless heart, and more penalty minutes than his mom would like to acknowledge.  He is our #1 star of the game.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 10^th from 5-7pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. Guests are asked to enter through the west (7^th street) entrance. The prayer service will start at 7pm.

A private funeral will be held on Thursday, March 11^th at 10am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN.  The service will be live streamed to a viewing area at Big Erv’s at Rose Creek (1500 East Rose Creek Pkwy S, Fargo, ND) for those who wish to gather and be a part of the funeral virtually.  The family invites friends to join them at Big Erv’s following the funeral to celebrate Owen’s life, which will include one of Owen’s favorite things…food.