Dennis “Spanky” Sullivan
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On March 6, 2024 @ 4:36 pm In 2024,Obituaries | 9 Comments
Dennis “Spanky” William Sullivan of Benedictine Living Community, in Shakopee, MN, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024, at the age of 95, with beloved wife Mona at his side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11 am, with a gathering from 9-10:45 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Walker will preside. Military honors will be provided by the Prior Lake VFW Honor Guard. Dennis will be laid to rest at a private family burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Guests may also join via live streaming by visiting stmichael-pl.org and clicking on the live stream link.
Spanky was born on November 1, 1928, to Peter Martin and Jennie (Conneran) Sullivan in Crookston, MN. He was the youngest of five children. His father Peter passed away prior to Spanky’s birth. Jennie left the farm and moved to Crookston, MN to raise the children. After attending Crookston Cathedral high school (class of “46”) and a stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Spanky attended the University of North Dakota and played hockey for the “Fighting Sioux” in the winter of 1948-49! In 1951, he was a member of the National Senior Hockey Champions, the Crookston Pirates.
In 1950, Spanky married Mona Ellingson in Crookston, MN. In 1954, the family moved to Thief River Falls to begin a Grain Belt Beer Distribution with his brother Pete. Thus, the company became Pete and Dennis Sullivan, Inc. Expanding the territory in 1961, Spanky and Mona moved the family to Ada, MN and the same occurred in 1969, when the family moved to Moorhead, MN. In 1975, the family completed the cycle and returned to Crookston, MN. During these years, they raised seven children. One highlight of his life was participating in a freedom honor flight from Phoenix, AZ to Washington, DC for World War II veterans.
Later years found Spanky and Mona living in Eau Claire, WI and Phoenix, AZ area only to return to Minneapolis/St. Paul area to be near family.
His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He was a man of deep Catholic faith and was proud of his Irish heritage. You can bet his Irish eyes are smiling as he meets his Father in heaven for the first time.
Dennis is survived by wife Mona; children, Joseph of Edina, MN, Janna (Bruce) Reimer of Savage, MN, Richard of Edina, MN, Mary of Hudson, WI, Patrice (Mike) Raths of St. Paul, MN, Paul (Candy) of South Lake Tahoe, CA, Kathleen of Las Vegas, NV; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; lots of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Jennie; brothers Joe, Ralph, Pete and sister Patricia Nimens.
Condolence cards can be addressed to the Sullivan family and mailed to Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 First Street West, Jordan, MN 55352.
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Sullivan Family,
We are heartbroken for you all, what a wonderful man Spanky was. We ‘re proud and honored to know him and your mom and to have spent time with them. We will reserve a special seat in our Pub for Spanky. ☘️
Until We Meet Again
Dear Sullivan Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed meeting “Spanky” at the Benedictine Home while having dinner with my parents. I won’t forget his great sense of humor and the fact he knows where Fourtown is. He was a good friend to my parents and will be deeply missed! God’s blessings on you all.
Scott and Ruth Harris
I got the AMAZING opportunity to care for both Dennis and Mona. His sense of humor and personality was truly remarkable. I will forever remember Dennis’s random singing, a billion wash cloths, and his gentle soul. May all family members know my heart is with everyone.
On behalf of the Martin family, sending my deepest condolences to Mona, Joe, Janna, Rick, Mary, Patrice, Paul and Babe, all the grands, great-grands and other family members. I have so many warm memories of sharing fun times with the Sullivan family. There was no one else like Spanky and I pray his legacy of love and family devotion brings comfort and peace to you.
Mary Pat,
Thank you for your kind words. I think we need to have a Martin-Sullivan reunion sometime.
Joe
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father and loved one.
Dear Mona and the entire Sullivan family,
Dr. Bob and Phyllis extend their deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband and father and our dear friend, Dennis (affectionately known as Spanky). His absence will leave an emptiness that can only be filled with the warm memories of his humor and quick wit—a light that brightened the lives of all who knew him.
Nearly 80 years ago, fate brought us together on that unforgiving ice sheet at the Crookston Arena. I remember it vividly—a high school hockey game where I found myself on the receiving end of a meeting with Spanky. That encounter left an indelible mark, fostering a deep respect that has endured through the years. And in our senior living environment, these past two years have been graced by beautiful dining experiences shared with our dear friend.
As we bid “Bon Voyage” to Spanky, we trust that the Good Lord welcomes him with open arms. His legacy lives on in our hearts, and the laughter he gifted us will echo through eternity.
With eternal love,
Dr. Bob Harris and Phyllis
Sympathy to the Sullivan family.
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Two of the nicest people I remember in Ada, Mn were Spanky and Mona Sullivan. I am sure you have many cherished memories of your fun loving Dad. May these precious memories bring you peace and comfort. Hugs and prayers.