Cullen McQuillen Case, Jr.

Cullen McQuillen Case Jr., age 55, of Lake Elmo, MN, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with Acute Erythroid Leukemia (AEL), a rare and aggressive subtype of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Cullen was born on June 21, 1971, in Hackensack, NJ, to Cullen M. Case and Diana S. Case-Gurtin. He graduated from Buffalo Grove High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) from the University of Miami and a Master's Degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of South Dakota. He built a 21+ year career with The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) as a Disaster Preparedness & Crisis Response Professional including 15 years as Program Director for their Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN). Cullen also served in the U.S. Army as a Paratrooper, an IRR Logistics Officer and attained the rank of Major in the Ordnance Corps Ordnance during more than 12 years of service with tours in Korea & Nicaragua.

Cullen was one of those rare souls whose presence spoke louder than words. Quiet, thoughtful, calm, and unwavering, he was the steady center of every storm—a man of precision, integrity, and quiet confidence. His family knew him as the one who brought order to chaos, whose careful attention to every detail was an expression of the love and care he had for those around him. Though he was never the loudest voice in the room, his influence was profound, and his spirit has left an undeniable mark on everyone who has been fortunate enough to know him.

Cullen found his greatest joy in spending time with his children and wife Stephanie. Whether biking, hiking, traveling to new places, working in the yard, or, in his younger years, scuba diving, he cherished every opportunity to be outdoors with his family. During the winter, Cullen curled with the Saint Paul Curling Club and rucked as often as he could. He loved being in the kitchen, whether preparing a family dinner, smoking meat, or teaching his children new recipes. He also enjoyed reading, working on puzzles and brain teasers, and was always ready to learn something new. Most recently, he began learning to play the bugle so he could perform “Taps.” Service to others was at the core of Cullen's life. He served as a mentor with Washington County Veterans Court and volunteered his time towards several city boards, such as the Lake Elmo Public Safety Committee. His work with the NMDP was more than a career; it was a calling. As an NMDP volunteer courier, he ensured that life-saving stem cell transplants reached patients, no matter the circumstances, traveling through hurricanes, snowstorms, and even a global pandemic to fulfill his mission. He also proudly volunteered with Team Rubicon, continuing his commitment to helping others. Cullen was a steady, dependable presence with a wonderfully quick wit. He had this ability to find the perfect movie or television quote for any occasion, especially from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In recent years, he found joy in writing, spending time on poetry, a book, and sharing his journey through CaringBridge. Above all, Cullen had a gift for bringing people together. Whether gathering family for the holidays, inviting neighbors to a Fourth of July fireworks celebration, or hosting an impromptu bonfire where everyone was welcome—he made people feel at home. His quiet strength, generous spirit, and warm smile will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Cullen is survived by his children, Eliana and Cullen III, (their mother, Jodi Case); his wife Stephanie Watson; his father, Cullen Case Sr.; his mother, Diana Case-Gurtin; his siblings, Beth Pontrelli (Frank), Curtis Jones (Celia), Matt Jones (Leslie); and many other beloved family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Dick and Mary Case, Hilda and David Webb, his uncle Richard Case Jr.; his stepfather Steven River Gurtin; and his cousin Luke Kulseth.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 1, beginning with a gathering of family & friends at 4:00 p.m. with a service starting at 5:00 p.m. The service will be followed by a reception from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life in Stillwater, MN.

A private military burial service for close family and friends will be held on October 2nd at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the NMDP, Team Rubicon, or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and joining the NMDP donor registry in Cullen's honor.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to caregivers, physicians, family, and friends for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time.

Though his time with us was far too short, his strength, unwavering love, humor, and steady presence will remain with all who knew him. He is deeply missed and will forever be remembered.