John M. Sullivan

John Michael Sullivan, 78, of Watertown passed away in the early morning hour as the sun began to rise and deer graze on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. He was being cared for by Horizon Hospice and Froedert Hospital after a recent cancer diagnosis. 

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home in Watertown. Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. 

John was born on August 7, 1945, son of Francis “Frank” and Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Wintermeyer) Sullivan in Mauston and resided in Watertown most of his life. He was a 1963 graduate of Watertown High School. John proudly served his country as a member of the US Navy from 1963 to 1966 aboard the USS Constellation aircraft carrier, VF-143, Pukin’ Dogs squadron. On August 10, 1984, he married Karen Boylan. John was a welder by trade, working for Mueller Pipeliners and We Energies until retirement.

John loved his family, friends, and dogs. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed, respected, and worked the land. He proudly shared his love for fishing, hunting, and sports with his grandchildren; especially looking forward to each year’s fall hunt on his property with his grandson Brock. 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 had a special talent of roasting pigs for parties and spent time perfecting his own beef and venison jerky to share with his people. 

John will be deeply missed by his family, including his daughters, Courtney Duke of Gallatin, TN, Candise (Joe) Luchsinger of Edina, MN, Bari (Chad) Vredeveld, of Johnson Creek; grandchildren, Sadie Luchsinger, Sam Luchsinger, Brock (Riley) Vredeveld, Connor (Bethany) Vredeveld; great grandchild, Augustine Vredeveld; nine siblings, Patricia (Paul Barry) Braasch, Kathy (Jack) Petrie, Terry (Ken) Smelcer, Anne Marie Sullivan, Daniel (Penny) Sullivan, James (Linda) Sullivan, Jerry Sullivan, Richard Sullivan, William (Cheryl) Sullivan; two stepsisters, Barb (Bob) Koellen, Brenda Staude; four-legged companion, Bucky; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sullivan and Betty Menke; stepmother, Anita Sullivan; stepfather, Lloyd Menke; his wife, Karen Sullivan; four siblings, Mary Hartman, Joseph Sullivan, Tom Sullivan, Dennis Sullivan in infancy; two brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; former wife, Phyllis Kohl. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorials to Veterans Affairs or Dodge County Conservation KAMO.