Gerald “Jerry” Richard Sullivan, 71 of Leavenworth, died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Leavenworth. He was born Dec. 15, 1940, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Richard Francis and Dorothy (Cross) Sullivan.
He grew up in New Boston, Mich., where his life-long love of horses and riding began. He completed his undergraduate studies at Michigan State and went on to earn a Masters in Public Administration later in life. Jerry entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1963. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years – completing two tours of duty in Vietnam and commanding the first Air Defense Rapid Deployment Battalion out of Fort Bragg, N.C. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1983 and began his second career as a Realtor in Leavenworth, Kan. In his later years, Jerry enjoyed trail riding and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his three children, Debbie Sullivan Couch, Richard Fitzgerald Sullivan, Kristine Sullivan Ruedebusch; their mother, Jacqueline Sullivan Egli; as well as his two sisters, Elizabeth Anne Sullivan and Dorothy Lynn Sullivan, both of Michigan; and his grandchildren, Hunter Couch, Connor Couch, Trevor Couch, Tyler Couch, Briana Couch as well as Taggert Ruedebusch and Jager Ruedebusch.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. The rosary will be prayed at 7p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Rev. William McEvoy as celebrant. Jerry’s passion was helping people and animals in need. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to any of the following organizations;- Capuchin Soup Kitchen - Detroit, Michigan http://cskdetroit.org/ - Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary - http://www.wildmustangs.com/supportingthewil.html - Wounded Warrior Project - https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org