Daryl Dean Sullivan

Daryl Dean Sullivan, 81, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by family at home.

Daryl was born on August 2, 1944, in West Union, Iowa, son of Archie and Mary (Handley) Sullivan. He grew up in Oelwein and graduated from Oelwein High School in 1962 and the University of Northern Iowa in 1966. On July 17, 1965, he married Connie Sara Levin at Christ Episcopal Church in Waterloo. They were blessed with three sons in their 60 years of marriage.

In his professional life, Daryl worked at Sears Roebuck Co., owned and operated the Tally Ho Salad Dressing Company and retired as a regional sales manager of John Morrell food service company. After retirement from John Morrell in 2015, he launched Sullivan Custom Woodworking.

Daryl and Connie were longtime active and devoted members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Cedar Falls, where they raised their family and he had been a member of the vestry. For 25 years he chaired the annual St. Luke's Lasagna Dinner, which raises money for community services, such as the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. He also built and donated several kitchens to Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity.

As a Mason, Daryl was Past Master of Martin and Black Hawk Lodges, and a member of El Kahir Shrine. He was a founding member and past president of El Mecca Vintage Auto Unit.

Daryl collected many hobbies in his adult life, from restoring vintage autos to fishing, gardening, playing bridge, collecting stamps and cooking; he never met a kitchen gadget he didn't like. He loved to travel and was a passionate supporter of environmental causes and the National Parks. In retirement, he and Connie spent nearly five years traveling North America in their RV, enjoying winters in South Texas and visiting about 300 parks, historic sites and monuments. However, he was most known for his woodworking talent. This craft was the perfect expression for his analytical and creative mind. Every member of his family treasures the many pieces he built for them.

With all of his interests, his deepest devotion was to his family, who have many memories of camping, boating, dancing (especially to the Sullivan family's theme song, "Mambo No. 5") and playing card games. All of his children and grandchildren knew exactly how much he loved them and vice versa. His interest in history, generous spirit, love of nature, sarcastic wit and competitive streak live on in them.

In addition to his wife, Connie, Daryl is survived by his children, Andrew (Kristin) Sullivan of Des Moines, Eric (Cinnamon) of Decatur, Georgia, and Tobin (Tracy) of LeMars; grandchildren Savannah, Summer, Glen, Anna, Beatrice, Mary and Archer Sullivan; his brother, Don (Vicki) Sullivan, brothers-in-law, Bill Hedlund, and Mark (Alanna) Levin.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Rosemary Hedlund and brothers-in-law Ben Levin and Jack Levin.

Visitation and funeral will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Cedar Falls, with visitation Thursday, February 12, from 5 to 7 pm and a Masonic service at 7 pm. The funeral will be held Friday, February 13 from 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, the National Park Foundation or the Shriners Children's Hospital.