Daniel R. Sullivan

Daniel Robert Sullivan, 76, of Watertown passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Danny was born on October 25, 1948, son of Francis “Frank” and Elizabeth “Betty” Sullivan in Mauston and resided in Watertown most of his life. He was a graduate of Watertown High School. Danny proudly served his country as a Vietnam Veteran with the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1968. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. On May 16, 1986, he married Penelope “Penny” Bartelt and the couple enjoyed 38 wonderful years of marriage filled with lots of traveling and they each shared a passion for gardening, which started as a hobby for Penny, but Danny quickly took it over after his retirement from working in road construction for the majority of his life.

Danny loved his family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed, respected, and worked the land. He had a passion for fishing- especially ice fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was a generous man who shared his sense of humor – bringing many smiles to his family and friends – even in his final days. He loved to help others in the community, specifically by sharing his bounty of fish and vegetables. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially attending sporting events and special moments with his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Danny is survived by his wife Penny, daughters, Paula Kaulback and Wendy (Phil) Winkelman, and son Michael Sullivan; grandchildren, Andrea (Brady) Deel, Kayla (Devon) Sandiford, Brandon Sullivan, Hanna Uecke, Avalon Uecke, Nevaeh Uecke; great grandchildren, Cooper Aurand, Emirae Aurand, Elowen Deel, Braxton Gardner, and Kolton Sandiford; eight siblings, Terry (Ken) Smelcer, Jerry Sullivan, William (Cheryl) Sullivan, Richard Sullivan, James (Linda) Sullivan, Anne Marie Sullivan, Patricia (Paul Barry) Braasch, Kathy (Jack) Petrie; two stepsisters, Barb (Bob) Koellen, Brenda (Paul) Staude; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara Bartelt, Julie Bartelt, and Michael Bartelt. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sullivan and Betty Menke; stepmother, Anita Sullivan; stepfather, Lloyd Menke; granddaughters Grace Uecke and Lila Winkelman; five siblings, John Sullivan, Mary Hartman, Dennis Sullivan in infancy, Joseph Sullivan, and Tom Sullivan; father-in-law Lloyd Bartelt; and mother-in-law Joyce Ninmann.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests to plant a hearty tree (but not too close to a garden) in memory of Danny.

A service to celebrate Danny’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home in Watertown with Pastor Steve Steele presiding. Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Full military honors will follow the service at the funeral home.