Cullin P. Schwintek

On January 18, 2025, Cullin Phillip Schwintek, loving brother, son, nephew, grandson, boyfriend, noble airman, selfless hero, and companion of many, entered the glorious gates of the Heavenly Kingdom. 

Cullin is preceded in death by his radiant guardian angel, grandmother Terri Schwintek; grandfather Stephen Schipper; grandparents Susan and David Edenloff along with many other beloved family members. 

Cullin’s life is survived by Proud Aunt and Uncle, Jeffrey and Dr. Lindsay Schipper; three inseparable siblings, Leopold Schipper, Josephine Schipper, Summer Schwintek-Tierney and Brother-in-Law, Joseph Tierney. His first expectant nephew, Baby Tierney; Nurturing Grandparents, Gregory Schwintek and Peggy Ballenthin; Donna Schipper and Jim McCullough; loving girlfriend and his true love, Samantha Buysse; Countless Airmen from the 934th Airlift Wing, also known as the "Flying Vikings," Minnesota's only Air Force Reserve Combat Unit; Many great aunts, great uncles, countless second cousins whom he was so fond of; many supportive friends, colleagues, and the honorary family of all brothers in arms.

Cullin Phillip Schwintek was born September 24, 2001. Cullin is remembered for his loyalty, servanthood, unwavering friendship, sense of humor, love for cooking, selflessness, hospitality, love of country and devotion to those closest to him, most especially his three siblings. 

Cullin was raised in Linwood, Minnesota by his Godparents and Guardians Jeff and Lindsay Schipper along with his three siblings, Leo, Josie, and Summer and countless pets. Cullin was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Cullin was a standout athlete during his high school career, earning countless letterman medals while participating in: swimming, soccer, tennis, and trap shooting. Cullin achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

Cullin was a decorated veteran who served four years in the Air Force Reserves. After graduating from Forest Lake Senior High School in 2020, Cullin answered the call to serve his country, by enlisting in the Air Force Reserves on May 29, 2020. After joining he spent time at Lackland Air Force Base and Little Rock Air Force Base for training, before returning to the 934th Airlift Wing in Minneapolis, MN in July 2021 and being assigned to the 96th Airlift squadron as a Loadmaster flying on the C-130 Hercules Aircraft. Shortly after his return, he was promoted to Senior Airman on August 1, 2021. During his time in the squadron, Cullin voluntarily deployed to Germany in February 2022, responding to the crisis in Ukraine, then, a year later he again voluntarily deployed to Djibouti Africa in support of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. Due to his efforts, he was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal on May 15, 2023. Outside of these larger accomplishments, Cullin was an integral member of the squadron going on numerous other trips with the squadron supporting his unit and other Joint Military training requirements. Cullin earned the nickname “Schwinny” within the squadron due to his charisma and jokester attitude. Through his hard work, he earned the respect of his peers and leadership. The loss of him in the squadron will be felt for many years to come.

Cullin was a true Minnesota sports fan. Those who knew him will cherish his competitive spirit and his fiery energy when cheering for the Minnesota Vikings. Every Autumn, Cullin could be found wearing a flannel, making more than enough crock-pots of stew, visiting apple orchards, attending college football games, and spending time with his great uncles and cousins at their family hunting land. Cullin looked forward to every winter season when he was able to attend Leo’s hockey games, Josie’s plays, ice skate, ski, and ice fish at the lake. Cullin loved Christmas, and all who knew him can attest to his ability to always give the best gifts, even as simple as a handwritten card. Come Spring, Cullin was most recently overseas on deployments with the Air Force. A shared memorable moment from his fellow airmen include Cullin’s ability to make gravy for their Easter Dinner at the Air Force Base in Germany. Cullin loved all traditions, especially dying Easter eggs, and attending church with his family. This coming Spring, Cullin was most excited to hold his first nephew. In the warmth of Summer, Cullin found his love for life closest to his grandfather, Gregory, on their boat on Ten Mile Lake. Cullin and Grandpa would play endless games of cribbage until the sun went down, trying to establish a true winner. Cullin was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed any reason to try out a new lure, or find a secret spot on the lake with his brother Leo, in their restored boat “The Reel Deal”. Cullin enjoyed exploring the warm days in the Twin Cities with his girlfriend, Sam, always finding new places to hike, swim, hammock, laugh, and fall more in love. Cullin’s love for life, and zeal for the world around him leaves a legacy beyond imaginable for all who knew him. 

A Funeral Service and Celebration of Cullin’s beautiful life will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Friday at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, continuing one hour prior to the service at the church. Private interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Mahtomedi, Minnesota.