John "Jack" Sullivan

John L. “Jack” Sullivan, 80, Bismarck, peacefully passed into eternal life with his family at his side on August 30, 2008, at Medcenter One. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 AM at Church of St. Mary in Bismarck with Rev. Thomas Richter officiating. Burial will be held at the ND Veterans Cemetery in Mandan at 1:00 PM with military honors provided by Mandan VFW Post #707 and Mandan American Legion Post #40. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 – 9:00 PM at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a rosary/vigil service will be held at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Jack was born on September 14, 1927, in Bismarck, the son of Tim D. and Frances Whiteaker Sullivan. He was raised on a farm east of Bismarck and graduated from Bismarck High School. Following graduation, he worked as a foreman of a threshing crew until he was 23 years old. Jack was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War where he attained the rank of Master Sergeant. While serving, he was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery and received an honorable discharge in October 1952. Jack met the love of his life, Hilda Materi, three months prior to his draft. They were married on November 11, 1952, after his return from his tour of duty. Jack worked for SooLine Railroad as a fireman, managed Builders Material Service, and was vice-president of Structural Products of Bismarck. Jack owned and operated Culligan Water Conditioning Systems of Bismarck. During his retirement years, Jack loved working for Robert’s Floral where he met and worked with many old and new friends. Jack was a loving husband to his wife. He was a patient, loving father, hero, and role model to his six children. He was the primary caregiver to his bride of 52 years in her final months of life. Jack and Hilda often opened their home to anyone in need of a place to live. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and was always trying to catch the big one. He was the definition of “Mr. Fix-it” and could fix anything. Jack was a masterful prankster and often brought everyone to tears from laughter with his practical jokes. He taught his family how to laugh, love, and give, and no matter how you’re treated, you can still feel good about yourself, and success is not measured by possessions. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Peg Jim Wosepka of Beach, ND, Sherri John Emerson of Bismarck, ND, Becky Jon Wignall of Arvada, CO, and Cathleen Toby Schweitzer of Bismarck, ND; his sons and daughters-in-law, Dan Cindy Sullivan of Edmund, OK, and Patrick Terri Sullivan of Bismarck, ND; his grandchildren, Kate Joey, Megan Cory, Josh, Adam Jessica, Tara Moose, Matt Amanda, alias “The Chopped Liver Gang”, Shannon, Jack, BreAnn, Jesse, Hannah, Molly, Trevor, Lexi, Lindsey, Hallie, and Sommer; his great-grandchildren, Dominic, Joclyn, Jace, and expectant fourth great-grandchild; along with his dear friend, Beverly Jacobs; his brothers-in-law, Al Materi of Bismarck, and Bob Shirley Materi of Kalamazoo, MI; and his sister-in-law, Nell David Chin of Great Falls, VA. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Hilda.

John "Jack" Sullivan

September 14, 1927 - August 30, 2008