Craig DeRiese Cullinan, age 32, of North Platte, passed away on May 20, 2024 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska after a brief battle with cancer. Born on September 7, 1991 in Nuremberg, Germany to Mark and Georgena Cullinan, Craig lived a life marked by kindness and love.
Craig is survived by his parents, Mark and Gena of North Platte, elder brother Shane (Alyssa) Cullinan of Brookfield, IL, younger sister Kathleen (Colton) Craig of Ringgold, NE, one nephew Lawson Craig, one niece Georgia Cullinan, and his maternal grandmother, Yvonne DeRiese of North Platte. He was also anxiously awaiting the arrival of both Kathleen’s and Alyssa’s babies this summer. He loved being an uncle. Other survivors include numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and more friends than we could begin to list. He was preceded in death by grandfather Jesse L. DeRiese, grandmother L Louise Cullinan and grandfather Robert L. Cullinan.
Craig was raised in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School in 2010, where he enjoyed performing and playing music, acting on stage, participating in track and organizing obscure groups, such as Tea Club. He was also active in the Boy Scouts and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Hastings College and was an English major before deciding to pursue other passions. After stints managing fast food franchises, he was a bartender, most recently at the Cedar Room, known for his exceptional craft and customer service.
Beyond his work, Craig was an active member of the praise band at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, often dedicating his time and talents on vocals and the electric bass. He also performed in several productions at the North Platte Community Playhouse. He was particularly passionate about games, Transformers, and music; his contributions will be long remembered by those whose lives he touched. Was it really a proper karaoke night if Craig was not there?
Craig will be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness and intelligence. He had a unique ability to make everyone around him have fun and feel loved. He gave the best hugs and was never the first to let go. Family gatherings, social events, and karaoke will not be the same without his presence.
A memorial service to celebrate Craig's life will be held on May 28th at 10:30 am. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in North Platte. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 2:00-4:00 P.M., May 27th at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to friends and family, the congregation of Beautiful Savior, the staff at the Cedar Room and of Bergan Mercy Hospital for their support and compassion during this difficult time.
A music memorial in Craig’s honor will be established at a place yet to be determined.
Craig's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Rest in peace, Craig; you will never be forgotten.