Gerald "Jerry" Allen Sullivan, 85, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 at his home.

Gerald was born on January 31, 1936 in La Porte, IN, to Eli Alvin and Virginia Cleo (Reuille) Sullivan.

 

On August 7, 1971 in La Porte, IN, he married Bonnie Vore who survives.  Also surviving are his children, Ronald (Brenda) Sullivan of La Porte, Debra (Rick) Rodriguez of Weed, CA, Micheal (Miriam) Sullivan of Yuma, AZ, Amanda (Scott) Newcomb of Rolling Prairie, Susan Hadden of Lebanon, Elizabeth (Dale Gilchrist) Reinfurth of Rolling Prairie, and Carol (Jim) Alarcon of South Bend; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, William (Sandy) Sullivan; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Richard Sullivan, Juanita Hostetler, Edward Sullivan, Ruth Sims, and Wanda Sullivan; and grandson, Alexander Wolford. 

 

Jerry was born and raised out on 150 East in La Porte, Indiana.  He grew quite a large family there.  So large, in fact, that their street became known as "Sullivan Road".  On a clear summer morning, you would likely hear Jerry shout, "Do what?" or "Dammit Bonnie!" signaling to others that he had started his day.  When the afternoon came, he would cruise the neighborhood on his golf cart, making his rounds and eagerly awaiting to stalk the mailman. He loved putting his grandson, Kyle, to work and when the work was done, he looked forward to asking, "Kyle, can you get me an ice cream bar?".  Around supper time, he would settle down by playing a round of his favorite card game, "Hand and Foot".  When the day was done, he would lounge in his favorite chair and drift off to sleep while watching his favorite westerns, wrestling, or game shows.

 

Jerry served proudly in the United States Army.  While he was stationed in Germany, he discovered German beer.  He always proclaimed that he would never touch any other beer again because US beer was terrible and German beer was amazing in comparison.

Jerry was his families favorite "OG".  His granddaughters were his sweethearts, and he was very proud of his grandsons.  His great-grandkids were his pride and joy.  His wife and children were his whole world. 

 

Jerry knew no stranger.  His Dunes Hospice Nurses would tell you that if you stepped foot into his door, you instantly became family.  Though he is no longer with us, his legacy and love live within us all.  He is watching over us.  For those of you reading this, he is watching over you too because that was just the kind of big-hearted man he was. 

 

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.  A private family service will take place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.