Sullivan, John Lloyd

SULLIVAN, GRAHAM, DEMPSEY

Posted By: Conni McDaniel Hall (email)
Date: 10/19/2022 at 12:01:55

John Lloyd Sullivan, 78, of Leon, Iowa, passed away on October 17, 2022 after a valiant battle with chronic kidney failure and rapidly progressing dementia. John, and twin brother, Jerry were born on October 12, 1944 to Lloyd John and Ethel Margaret (Graham) Sullivan in Pipestone, Minnesota.

John attended Pipestone High School where he excelled in wrestling, and proudly qualified for the state tournament multiple times. He continued to practice his wrestling moves with his grandsons in later years. After graduating from Pipestone High School in 1962, he went on to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska where he studied pharmacy. In 1968 John enlisted in the National Guard, was on active duty for 6 months, followed by attending 7 years of summer and winter training camps.

While in college, he met the love of his life, Jeannie Dempsey, and they wed on September 2, 1967. They were blessed to adopt a son, Matthew, in 1972 and later had twin daughters, Annie and Amy in 1976, followed by Emily in 1984. After graduation, the couple moved to Osceola, Iowa where John worked at the clinic pharmacy for several years. In 1972 they moved to Leon, Iowa where John worked at Young’s Drive-In Pharmacy and soon after had the opportunity to purchase it, thereby establishing Sullivan Pharmacy. John was a dedicated pharmacist, helping many families in the community, until he closed his pharmacy doors in 2000. He went on to provide relief work for other pharmacists in surrounding towns until 2018. In 2019 John was honored with an award recognizing his being registered in the state of Iowa for 50 years.

In his free time, John loved to be outside, working in his yard and collecting rocks. He was honored to earn his Master Gardener certificate from Iowa State University. He was especially proud of his 100 varieties of Hostas planted in and around his yard. John also enjoyed finding and collecting antiques of all kinds, but especially favored antique scales, with his collection numbering over 300. Another favorite pastime was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Lloyd and Ethel Sullivan; brother, Jerry Sullivan; and sister, Patricia Bearth. Survivors include his wife, Jeannie Sullivan of Leon, Iowa; children, Matthew Sullivan (Alexei) of Kaneohe, Hawaii, Annie Nickell and husband, Greg of Allerton, Iowa, Amy Tharp and husband, Nick and Emily Byler and husband, Chris, all of Leon; grandchildren, Alicia (Lorenzo) Martinez, Katelyn Nickell, Elizabeth Nickell, Nathan Tharp, Emma Tharp, Tyson Tharp, Ruxen Byler, Talen Byler, Cohen Byler, and Kyden Byler; great granddaughter, Eila Martinez and a great grandson due in April 2023. Other survivors include brothers, Dan (Anne) Sullivan from Lewiston, Minnesota and Mark (Mike) Sullivan from Omaha, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Leon, Iowa at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022. Interment will immediately follow at Leon Cemetery. Visitation will be at Slade -O’Donnell Funeral Home from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 23rd with family present. A memorial fund has been established by the family.