Michael Patrick Sullivan

Michael Patrick Sullivan (December 5, 1934 - November 20, 2024) Michael P. Sullivan, age 89, of Edina, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Mike, the son of an Irish immigrant, learned from an early age that the way to succeed in this country is to earn an education and do good work. He was deeply grateful for his parents' sacrifices to ensure he had the tools and opportunities to thrive. He and Marilyn did the same for their family, which was their greatest joy and accomplishment. His education began at Saint Anne's Catholic Grade School in North Minneapolis, followed by a short stint at Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary he went on to graduate from DeLaSalle High School in 1952. He was an NROTC graduate of Marquette University, B.S.,1956. He served as a Naval officer in the Pacific from 1956 to 1959, then earned his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1962. He practiced law for twenty-five years at Gray Plant Mooty law firm (now Lathrop GPM) ten of those years as managing officer, before he became the President and CEO of International Dairy Queen from 1987 to 2001. Mike served on several corporate, community, and academic boards throughout the years and earned innumerable accolades and accomplishments, yet he was most grateful for his large, and still-growing, family. As a young lawyer, he met Marilyn and they quickly fell in love, married, and started an epic partnership that would span decades and the world. Their 60-year marriage was colorful, dynamic, and meaningful. He cherished his extended family and was genuinely interested in what made them unique and his loyalty and commitment to the many non-profit organizations he supported is inspiring. A bit gruff on the outside at times, he had a heart of gold. Mike lived a purposeful life and his impact has rippled far and wide with his simple yet profound wisdom: Be grateful for the good and the bad--each is a gift and an opportunity for growth. Faith and a deep relationship with your God are paramount. Marriage is a sacrament to be honored. It all begins and ends with family. Friends and lifelong relationships are a treasure and worth your time. Education is important and merits many sacrifices to attain. Persistent learning is essential. Traveling and seeing the world expands your thinking. A strong work ethic and discipline are necessary for real success and dignity. Be kind, we do not know what others are going through. Life is worth living. Give it your all and do everything you can to be there for the ones you love. Use your God-given talents to make a difference. Give to others with a generous heart. Ice cream is good for you. Everything was an adventure with Mike and he wanted his family to have experiences. At their cabin (Heritage Hill) and Arizona home (Tonto Verde), he and Marilyn shared their love of nature, noticing everything with awe and deep appreciation. He taught himself, Marilyn, and his children to sail, fish, canoe, water ski, Nordic ski, and alpine ski. He educated us about the flowers, birds, trees, cacti, and other fun facts about wherever we were. In addition, the many cross-country road trips in the "Sully-van" took grit, but he was living his dream. It was not always seamless with six children but he was steadfast and earnest in his pursuit. Through the wonders of nature and a deep appreciation of our surroundings, we will continue to see, feel, hear, smell, and taste his wisdom. He was our rock and the memories will live in our hearts forever. Mike is survived by his loving family: His wife of 60 years, Marilyn (Emmer); children Katherine (Daniel) Fritz of Sioux Falls, SD; Michael Jr. (Rachna) Sullivan of Edina, MN; Maureen Sullivan (Matthew Cronin) of Excelsior, MN; Bridget (David) Reddan of St. Louis Park, MN; Daniel (Sri) Sullivan of San Francisco, CA; Thomas (Kathryn) Sullivan of Minnetonka, MN. His grandchildren: Madeline (Taylor) Juhl, Molly Fritz, Killian (Cecelia) Brackey, Bennett (fiance Olivia) Brackey, Jack (partner Kelly) Reddan, Danny Fritz, Tommy Fritz, Finnegan Reddan, Carlton Cronin, Gavin Brackey, Murphy Brackey, Peter Cronin, Meara Sullivan, Tommy Reddan, Amanda Cronin, Maya Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, James Sullivan, and Maria Sullivan. His great-grandchildren Bennett, William and Sullivan Juhl, and Fiona Brackey. Siblings John Sullivan, Kathleen (David) Black, and Eileen (Carl) Hedberg. Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Patsy Emmer, Ramona Benson, Patricia Emmer, Nan Emmer, Margaret and Gregory Gust, and Earl Emmer, Jr. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Susan (Doran) Sullivan; sisters Mary, Patricia, and Mary Sue Riley; father-in-law Earl Emmer and mother-in-law Helen Emmer; brothers-in-law Edward Riley, Thomas Emmer, John Emmer, James Emmer; sisters-in-law Susan Sullivan, Ann Emmer; niece Bridget Greene; nephew Stephen Emmer; great-grandson Michael Juhl. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (5071 Eden Ave) in Edina. Visitation from 10 am until the time of Mass at the church. Private interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. If you are unable to attend in person, join the live stream: https://www.olgparish.org/mass/mike-sullivan Please consider a memorial to a non-profit organization of your choice.

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Michael Patrick Sullivan

December 5, 1934 - November 20, 2024

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