Jerry Sullivan

Jerry Sullivan, 89, of Wausau passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at North Central Health Care Center.

He was born May 30, 1928 in Merrill to the late Lyndon “Dutch” and Helen (Zimmerman) Sullivan.  In his younger years, Jerry was a gifted athlete playing for the Merrill Foxes football team and later recruited to play for the Baltimore Colts.  He made a much better decision to marry the love of his life, Joan Stachoviak on June 30, 1951 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wausau.  They made their home in Wausau with Jerry working at Wausau Ironworks and later for Semco in Merrill until his retirement.  He and Joan had also owned Sullivan’s Bar and Dance Hall in the town of Hamburg.  Jerry was an avid bowler on several Friday night leagues, past member of the Wausau Jaycees, Wausau Moose Lodge and Fr. Rene Menard Council, Knights of Columbus, Council 1133 of Merrill where he had served as a Deputy Knight.

Survivors include his wife Joan of Wausau, four children, Lynne Voelz of Wausau, Susan Sullivan of Wausau, Patrick (Andrew) Sullivan of Deerfield, FL, Kelly (Kurt) Ritchie of Bastrop, TX, four grandchildren, Amy (Tim) Hein, Wendi (Chris) Weinkauf, Joshua (Valerie) Ritchie, Nicole (Joe Franco) Ritchie, three great grandchildren, Bryce Hein, Kevin (fiancé, Mariah) Voelz, Steve (Eryn) Hein, two great great grandsons, Camden and Jaxon, his brother, Daniel Sullivan of Merrill and special friends, Bob and Carol.  Jerry was further preceded in death by his grandson, Andy Hoffman, son-in-law, DuWayne Voelz and sister-in-law, Nancee Sullivan.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 S. 9TH Ave., Wausau.  Father Gerry Pehler and Father Peter Kieffer will concelebrate Mass.  Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau and at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.  You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff  of  Lake View Heights at North Central Health Care for the wonderful care and kindness they gave Jerry and our family.