William E. Sullivan Jr.

May 31, 1939 - February 19, 2011

William “Bill” Sullivan, Jr., 71, of Janesville, WI, formerly of Beaver Dam, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of Saturday, February 19, 2011. Bill was born on May 31, 1939, in Oberon, a small plains town in north central North Dakota, adjacent to the Devil”s Lake Sioux Indian Reservation. He was the son of William, Sr. and Lorraine Sullivan. He earned his undergraduate degree in education at Valley City State, ND, and his masters in education from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. His teaching career began in two small schools in North Dakota. Then, he moved to Minot, ND, where he taught English at Jim Hill Junior High. In 1969, he was a participant in a prolonged and bitter AFT strike due to wage and education cuts. He held out to the end with 125 other teachers, and together, they were fired for their protesting. This action inspired over 100 other Minot teachers to resign in protest. Following this experience, Bill (and his wife, Joyce Nygard) moved to Beaver Dam, WI where he taught eighth-grade English for 29 years at the Beaver Dam Middle School. He was a department head for ten years and a team leader for five years. He taught English a total of 36 years. Following his retirement, he tutored students in alternative education tracks. In addition to his active role as a union rep and department head, he enjoyed mentoring new teachers that came into the system.

He was a loving and devoted father to his only child, Heather. They had a very close relationship, and he played a very special role in her life to his last days. His daughter considered him a best friend and most cherished father.

His pride in his Irish heritage came through in his ability to tell a good story. Bill had a strong voice, and those close to him enjoyed hearing his perspective on current events, political issues, or on life in general. He always had an opinion and wasn”t afraid to share it. He also had a huge heart. He touched people on a deep level, even after his move to Janesville seven months ago when he moved to be closer to his daughter, Heather, and grandson, Marcus.

Bill”s immediate survivors include his daughter, Heather, Janesville, WI, and his cousin, Jim Hanson (who was more like a brother), and Jim”s wife, Valerie, from Sun Prairie, WI. He is also survived by his grandson, Marcus Orlandoni, many cousins, and special friends Joyce Nygard, Tony Orlandoni and Kay Voelker. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William, Sr. and Lorraine Sullivan.

A visitation will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaver Dam, WI, on Thursday, March 24, from 3-4 pm, followed by a memorial service at the same location from 4-5 pm. Pastor Jeffrey L. Nicholas will officiate. A dinner to celebrate Bill”s life will follow the service at a location to be announced at the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Trinity Methodist Church, 308 Oneida Street, Beaver Dam, WI, 53916, or to the girls” athletic department at the Beaver Dam High School.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 E. Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Special thanks go out to the caring and supportive nurses and staff at the Beaver Dam Dialysis Center in Beaver Dam, WI and the Mercy Regional Dialysis Center in Janesville, WI. And, thank you to family friend, and Bill”s family physician, Dr. Daniel Staddler, who took such great care of him during his final months in Janesville.

“And the world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humble and joyful, by which we arrive at the ground at our feet and learn to be home.” ~Wendell Berry

Visitation Details

Thursday, March 24th, 2011, 3:00pm – 4:00pm, Trinity Church-United Methodist-Beaver Dam

Service Details

Thursday, March 24th, 2011, 4:00pm, Trinity Church-United Methodist-Beaver Dam

See Condolences

Dear Elaine & the Fitz family we wish to express our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of Don you are in our thoughts and prayers God Bless Philomena/Jim Kreten Friendship Wi.

Hello Heather, My sympathy to you and your family on the death of your father. Billy, as I knew him growing up in Oberon was a childhood friend of my brother Dale. When your father stayed at our home, I never could understand why he didn''t eat the bread crust. Your Grandfather had special greetings for people at the meat market. He always said to me, "Mary Lynn bumped her chin and couldn''t get up in the morning." Lorraine was one of the sweetest ladies in the Oberon community. My parents were very good friends with Bill and Lorraine. Mother (Hazel Carlson) helped out at the store for many years. When the Benson County Press arrived I was interested in reading about Bill''s life. Thank you for sharing. With caring concern, Mary Dykstra

Bill was a very special friend who appeared in my life when I most needed his humor and thoughtfulness. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him. I''m sure he is a bright light in heaven.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Sullivan was my 8th grade English teacher. He was a very good teacher with a very nice person. He will be missed.

We remember Bill for many things...his smile as we would often see him at the BDCC for dinner, or chatting with him about his roof, or discussing issues regarding education. He was a wonderful caring, dedicated man. Thank you, Bill, for the work you did for teachers and education in general. Your legacy of perseverance has benefited the entire community of Beaver Dam.

My memory of cousin Bill takes meback to Oberon with Grandma and Grandpa''s garden, crab apple tree, Uncle Bill''s candy store. A special memory was on a Sunday visit when teenage cousins, Billy and Jim gave us a ride to the DQ in New Rockford in a convertible! Bill visited our family through the years, occasionally bringing Heather. Our dad, Clarence,looked forward to their drives back to Oberon. Bless the memory of cousin Bill.

We have wonderful, fond memories of Uncle Bill. With his keen sense of humor, his talent to share the story and his hearty laugh. All our love and support; Thom, Dan, Sammy and Clint

Learning of Bill Sullivan''s death reminded me of our shared high school years in Oberon, North Dakota. We were good friends,living at that time just a few houses apart. My father was the pastor of the Lutheran Church in town, his father a grocer. Though decades separate our acquaintance with each other, I offer my condolences to those who are giving thanks for his life these days. I join them in spirit. The peace of the Lord be with you. David

My friend, my cousin, my brother. You live on in my mind and in the mind of God.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.