Joseph Culliney

Mr. Joseph Culliney passed away in the early hours of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee. He was 83 years old.

  Joe was born in Madison on Oct. 30, 1942, the son of Joseph and Ruth (nee Mathiasen) Culliney.

During his high school years, the family moved east and Joe graduated from Nicolet High School with the Class of 1960. He furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in 1965 and 1966, respectively. Mr. Culliney then took a teaching position in Grafton.

  On June 24, 1967, Joe was united in marriage with Helen Larson in Mauston, Wis.  The couple settled in Grafton and started their family.

  Mr. Culliney took a teaching position at the then-newly created Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Port Washington. He taught technical education classes at the school for more than 30 years, retiring in 1999.

Joe was a founding member of the Northeastern Officials Association and officiated high school and college football games, cross-country and track and field meets for 53 years. In that time, he had the honor to officiate three state cross-country meets, two state track meets and two state championship football games.

  When he was not at school or officiating, Joe enjoyed gardening and cooking. He loved to travel with his wife and was an avid reader. He put his woodworking skills to the test when they built their home and he did all of the finish work. Above all else, Joe loved spending time with his family.

  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Helen of Grafton, their daughter Carissa Ellmauer of Port Washington, son Kevin (Emily) of Oxfordshire, England, and grandchildren Tommy Ellmauer and Sean and Erina Culliney.  Joe is further survived by other family, friends and former students.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

  A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington. The family will receive guests on Monday, Feb. 16, from 4 p.m. until the service begins at 6 p.m.

Joe will be laid to rest the following day at Woodlawn Cemetery in Grafton.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Community Education Foundation of Port Washington-Saukville for future scholarships or to the Grafton Public Library in Joe’s name.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.