Laurie L. Sullivan

Laurie Louise (Collins) Sullivan, 67, passed away in her sleep at home on November 21, 2024, and now is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His Heavenly Kingdom. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend always trying to help and support others even as she was physically challenged through her final days.
Laurie was born on February 4, 1957, to Roger and Barbara Collins in Fort Atkinson. She was baptized, confirmed and went to grade school at St. Paul's Lutheran grade school and graduated from Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, Wisconsin in 1975. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh then UW-Whitewater, where she met the love of her life Paul Sullivan. They were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson on May 28, 1977.
Laurie and Paul moved to Madison, Wisconsin to start their life and family together welcoming their first two children, Kimberly and Michael. They decided to return to Fort Atkinson in 1980 during which time they welcomed their daughter Erin and son Daniel into the world. During their time in Fort Atkinson, Laurie worked for Fort Memorial Hospital as an operator until 1998. During this time, Laurie also babysat and was always supporting her family, friends, and fellow church members. Laurie juggled a lot, because she enjoyed hosting events and supporting her kids' activities to always put a smile on the faces of others around her.
Laurie was a pillar of strength and encouragement when her husband embarked on his spiritual journey to serve the Lord. Laurie took immense pride in Paul's accomplishments as he studied at Bethany Lutheran Seminary and she stood by him steadfastly as he ministered to the congregations of Ascension Lutheran Church and Pinehurst Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Her involvement with the church went beyond support; Laurie found joy and solace in the company of her church family, forming deep and lasting friendships that she treasured throughout her years of devoted service. Beyond her commitments to the church, Laurie's professional life as a switchboard operator at Mayo Health spanned over two decades, a testament to her strong work ethic and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
In later years, Laurie and Paul's move to Waukesha, Wisconsin drew them closer to their beloved children and grandchildren. The couple found a new spiritual home at St. John's Lutheran Church in Mukwonago, where Laurie continued to embrace community and faith with open arms, finding joy in reaching out to shut-ins and making new acquaintances that quickly became dear friends. Her presence at St. John's was graced by the service of Pastors Bortulin, Bode, Free, and Berg, whose guidance she deeply appreciated.
Laurie leaves behind her beloved husband Paul Sullivan; daughter Kimberly (Jonathon) Zarnstorff, son Michael (Alana) Sullivan, daughter Erin Sullivan, son Daniel Sullivan; grandchildren Tyler Zarnstorff, Alexis Zarnstorff, Cameron Drost, Finley Sullivan, Madeline Drost, and Aislin Sullivan; brother-in-law Mark (Liz) Sullivan, sister-in-law Molly Mead, brother-in-law Daniel (Denise) Sullivan, brother-in-law Sam (Nancy) Sullivan; aunt Lorraine Birk, nephew Matthew (Lisa) Mead, niece Jorie (Brian) Walker, niece Carolyn Sullivan and great nieces and nephews; cousins Jennifer (Steve) Schroeder, Richard, Colleen, Brian (Stephanie), Linnea, Corrine Collins, Joseph Petersen, Sandy (George) Grimm, Bette (Brad) Bastian, Cecil and Marta Brown, James, Richard, Patricia, Roseann Parks, and Christine (Jordan) Jones.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents Roger and Barbara Collins; parents-in-law John (Jack) and Marjorie Sullivan; brother-in-law Thomas Mead; uncles Edward Birk, George (Jean), Purley (Mary), Bill, Harold, Leo, Vilas (Bud) Collins; aunts Viola Collins, Edna (Joseph) Petersen, Helen (Wayne) Brown, Marymae (Frank) Parks; nephew John Sullivan; cousins Debbie Parks, William Collins and Letha (Paul) Richards. Laurie lived her life with a strong faith; full of love and passion to help and support others.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10:00 am at St. John's Lutheran Church 410 Veterans Way, Mukwonago, WI with a service to follow at 11:00 am. There will be a luncheon open to all at the church afterwards. After lunch, there will also be a graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Atkinson, WI. If you wish to offer an expression of sympathy, please send any memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church in Mukwonago, WI.
Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
www.DunlapMemorialHome.com
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