COTTAGE GROVE - Craig L. McNulty, born on May 13, 1943, in Dodgeville, Wis., to James E. and Mina L. “Lucy” (Reddell) McNulty, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family while watching the March Madness tournament, an annual tradition he cherished deeply.

Raised on the east side of Madison, Craig had a modest upbringing and a spirited childhood. He found joy in the outdoors and formed a lifelong passion for sports and all things with wheels and an internal combustion engine. In addition to his early days in Madison, he split time at his second home on the family farm in Dodgeville. There were years in a one room schoolhouse and countless adventures hiking, camping, and hunting in the driftless area.

Craig married Patricia, with whom he had his first two children, Terry and James (Jim). He later married Joan, mother to his youngest son, Sean. He took great pride in caring for the home he built in Cottage Grove, where he would raise his family and live until his passing.

Professionally, Craig started as a highly skilled journeyman machinist, earning top honors in the state. Through relentless work ethic and people-first leadership, he rose through the ranks to serve in the roles of Plant Manager at Ohio Medical, Executive Vice President & General Manager at Weiler, and Vice President of Operations at Madison Kipp Corp, before his retirement in 2004.

A true car enthusiast, Craig had a passion for horsepower, drag racing, and craftsmanship. His custom-built cars were a source of great pride, earning national recognition at the prestigious Bloomington Gold Corvette Corral. He was also a lifelong Harley Davidson fanatic, often seen (and more likely heard) tearing up the Black Hills near Sturgis, S.D., on one of his custom choppers.

Craig’s love for fitness was equally impressive. He was an avid weightlifter who held the Wisconsin state bench-press record for his age bracket well into his 70s. He inspired his children and grandchildren to pursue athletics, and he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on from the sidelines.

Whether piloting a boat on the Madison lakes, attending a family sporting event, or simply enjoying a barbecue with loved ones, Craig’s greatest joy was being with his family. In the winter months, he was a devoted Wisconsin Badgers basketball fan and a proud season ticket holder.

After a courageous four-year battle with ALS, Craig’s life came to a close with grace and strength. His legacy of drive, perseverance, and importance of family will live on in all who knew him.

Craig is survived by his daughter, Terry (John) Bollig; his sons, Jim (Kim) and Sean (Allison) McNulty; his grandchildren, Bruce (Heather) and Eric (Katie) Grady and Maggie, Mary Kate, Mina and Shane McNulty; as well as his great-grandchildren, Grey, Brynley and Brielle.

Never Never Quit

A graveside service will be held at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS, 3054 County Highway BB, Cottage Grove, at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the ALS Therapy Development Institute or Agrace HospiceCare.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson
(608) 873-4590

Craig L. McNulty

May 13, 1943 - March 22, 2025

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