Ray Sullivan
July 31, 1930 ~ May 3, 2014
Ray Sullivan died Saturday, May 3, 2014, at age 83 at home in Robins, Iowa. Funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Reverend Christopher Podhajsky. Visitation 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 7 pm. Burial with military honors will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Surviving are his children, Mary (David), John (Ashley), Tim (Maren), Mark (Valerie) and Teresa (Peter). Also surviving are his siblings, Mary Margaret, Phil, Paul, Susanne, Tom. Raphael John Sullivan was born July 31, 1930, on a farm near Fairmont, Minnesota. Ray was married to Judith Primrose Sullivan for 48 years until the time of her death in 2009. Their grandchildren are O'Ryan, Cecelia, Beatrice, Anna, Heath, Gage, Brenna, Fiona, Maeve, Keiran, Henry and Imogene. Ray was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart for heroism in the Korean War. Sullivan single-handedly attacked six enemy caves on T-Bone hill. He served in the 45th Infantry Division. Ray was a carpenter for over 50 years, building many homes in Cedar Rapids. Love and joy returned with abundance when Ray was married to Laurna Schlader of Charles City, on December 29, 2012. Laurna and Ray enjoyed being together and spending time with family and friends. Laurna's children are Maria, Brad, Rod, Brent, Michelle, Geralyn, Mark, along with their spouses and many loving grandchildren. Ray was a Ford man. His classic car collection includes a 1948 Lincoln Continental, which he was restoring. He also enjoyed using his 1947 Allis Chalmers tractor for all sorts of projects around 'the ranch.' Ray enjoyed woodworking, making his own lumber from trees felled at 'the ranch.' He made his own casket from a walnut tree. It was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not, because there were 81 rings on tree, the same age as Ray. He died on a beautiful spring day, working in his wood shop, as his grandsons played in the yard. Moments before he died, Ray was helping his son, John, saw some 2x4s for a home improvement project. As Ray would say 'At least we got that much done.'
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I was very saddened to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a very kind soul and he will be greatly missed. I know Ray knew my name, but he always called me “Little Rita”.
Oh, Lorna, I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings, Prayers & Peace my friend.
Ray and I are sad to hear of your father’s passing. Family is so important, and each one lost, hurts. We are thinking of Ray, and of all of your families.
My deepest sympathies to family and friends of Ray’s. Some of my fondest memories are of growing up on the same street and playing with the Sullivan kids and sometimes helping with his projects around the family home. He taught me how to work a manual transmission by backing up and pulling forward in an old pickup truck on the property before I was old enough to drive.
My condolences to the kids, especially to my old friend, John. In high school, I knew Ray simply as John’s tinkering father who always seemed to be in the garage. I spoke very few words with him and he was always occupied with some project. John, finish that Lincoln.
John, Ashley and family: I’m so sorry on the loss of your father. You’re all in my prayers and thoughts, hope you can take solace in knowing he lived such a good life with loving family.
Lorna
Please know how sorry I am that you lost Ray after such a short time. My sympathy to you, your family and Ray’s family as well.You have been and will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Fran
My sympathy to Ray’s family. Ray had that Irish sparkle in his eyes and his quiet wit endeared him to all of us. He and Laurna certainly enriched each other’s lives, short lived as it was.
Deepest sympathies to the Sullivan family. Ray was a wonderful man and a loyal friend to our family.