Jerry P. Sullivan I

Of Greendale. Born to Eternal Life on February 25, 2022 at the age of 89. Beloved husband of Nancy (nee Koch) for 63 years. Loving father of Jerry Sullivan II (fiancé Christy Siko), Brian (Janice) Sullivan, Megan (Dave) Bartels, the late Daniel and the late Tara. Proud grandpa of Noah, Sophie, Sean, Samantha, Sydney, Zach (Randi), Ben and Dan. Great grandpa of Emmett. Dear brother-in-law of Tim Koch and Tony (Lori) Koch. Further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Jerry was born and raised in Kingsford, Michigan by his parents Lloyd and Ellen Sullivan. He was the second youngest of seven children (Mike, Charlotte, Dorothy, Bob, Margaret and Tom II), all of whom preceded him to Heaven. He moved to Milwaukee to attend MSOE and became an electrical engineer. Around that time, he met his future wife Nancy when his brother Tom and her best friend Elaine set them up on a blind date. Shortly thereafter, Jerry joined the U.S. Navy and was deployed for the Korean War. Jerry and Nancy kept in touch throughout by writing letters to each other. They were married in September of 1958 and spent more than 63 wonderful years together. Jerry proudly served in the Unites States Navy during the Korean War. He was assigned to the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier transporting as many as 70 Naval airplanes. He was an aviation technician, part of a small (2-4 man) crew that flew intelligence gathering missions, thus fulfilling his dream of flying. He continued his love of flight later in life by flying in a glider and hot air balloon as well! He inspired an avid interest in flight with family members, including his son. After his service, Jerry went to work as an electrical engineer for WEPCO (WE Energies). He was a service station repair man and worked his way up to management, spending his entire career with the same company. He loved his job and would stay with WEPCO until he retired in 1992. Jerry and Nancy then became snowbirds, moving to Florida for the winter months ever since, providing a place for family to enjoy visits to also escape the cold. Jerry was a big Packers and Brewers fan and an avid golfer as well. He also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, volleyball, softball, polka and line dancing, shuffleboard, and bocce. Jerry certainly lived his life to the fullest. Even when he slowed, Jerry never missed a Packers or Brewers game on television. His Packers’ season tickets are still in the family and have provided years of enjoyment. Jerry and Nancy had five children. Son Daniel and daughter Tara both died of Cystic Fibrosis when they were very young, but the family grew as children Jerry II, Brian and Megan, went on to marry and bless them with eight grandchildren and one great grandson. He was very involved in his children’s lives as both a coach and a fan. He encouraged family games around the kitchen table teaching competition and fairness, and above all, fun. Jerry was also a wonderful grandfather, whether he was walking the toddlers around the yard showing them trees and flowers, playing baseball in the backyard, or traveling to watch his grandchildren at their sporting events, dance and music performances. Always humble, Jerry was a great role model. He loved his family and wasn’t afraid to show it in the form of words or hugs or the many family gatherings enjoyed. He was a very proud Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He loved Nancy with all of his heart and they were inseparable – a classic love story for sure. Visitation Saturday March 12, 2022 from 10 am to 11:30 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (12700 W. Howard Ave, New Berlin). Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. Private interment Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation would be appreciated.