Dennis Peter Sullivan

1947 - 2025

Dennis Peter Sullivan
Manistee, MI
01/12/1947 - 11/18/2025
Dennis Sullivan, 79, of Manistee, Mich., passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at home with his loving family by his side on November 18, 2025.
Denny was born in Buffalo, N.Y., to the late Daniel J. and Norma R. (Bowman) Sullivan.
He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, in a loving Christian home with his sisters, Carol and Audrey, and brother, Gerald (Jerry).
Upon high school graduation, Denny joined the United States Navy and served in the Vietnam War. Post-military service, Denny graduated from Cleveland State University, Fenn College of Engineering, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Denny started working for Morton Salt in 1977, dedicating 30 years of service, and retired as Plant Engineer.
In 1967, Denny married the love of his life and best friend, Linda (Znidarsic). Together, Denny and Linda enjoyed family travel adventures, special cottage memories, hosting friends, and raising their family together. A special family memory was the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. An avid outdoorsman, Denny was a passionate bird hunter and fly fisherman.
Denny's pride and joy was his three children and his seven grandchildren. He was a devoted parent and grandparent, attending every sporting event, show, and event in support of the children. He loved being involved in the day-to-day lives of all as they grew into the adults and young adults/kids they are today. Denny followed and learned every special interest of the kids so he could be immersed in their worlds.
A 28-year heart transplant recipient, Denny received the gift of life via organ donation and chose to live every day and year with thankfulness and gratitude. God's favor and the blessing of this miracle was mentioned by Denny in almost every prayer and at every birthday.
One of Denny's special gifts was his love of God, his family, his country, and his community. Denny was a founding member and Elder at Providence Presbyterian Church in Manistee, serving the church and its congregants for more than 25 years. As a licensed professional engineer (P.E.), Denny supported numerous Manistee County development projects. In addition, Denny volunteered to numerous county literacy and education projects, with a special focus on youth literacy and tutoring, and supporting illiterate adults. Denny had a heart and eye to see individuals often invisible in the community. It was not uncommon for Denny to stop on the side of the road to help an individual with a broken bicycle or other need, even going so far as to drive them to the store to ensure their needs were fully met and fixed. If you met Denny once, you were his friend – and he'd also be sure to tell you about his love for Jesus.
Denny is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda of Manistee, Mich.; and their son, Ryan (Kathy) Sullivan, and daughters, Laura (Jeremy) Jeruzal and Allison (Chris) Benczkowski. Siblings, Gerald (Deb) Sullivan and Audrey Millstein. Grandchildren, Benjamin and Emily Sullivan; Broderick, Genevieve, and Joslyn Jeruzal; and Maxwell and Charlotte Benczkowski. Sister-in-law, Carol (Joe) Petsche. Two special nephews, Joe Petsche and Jerry Sullivan. Denny was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carol Sullivan.
A celebration of Denny's life will be held at Oak Grove Funeral Home (309 Parkdale Ave., Manistee, Mich.) on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Visitation will be at 11a.m. EST, followed by a memorial service with military honors at 12 Noon EST, with Pastor Mike Kooy officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Providence Presbyterian Church of Manistee or Gift of Life Michigan.
The family has entrusted Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Manistee with arrangements.