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Mr. Michael P. Sullivan, age 61 of Grant, passed on Thursday, October 13, 2005 at his residence in Ashland Township. He was born Michael Patrick Sullivan in Muskegon, the son of Dora Alice (Armstrong) and Glenn Edward Sullivan on July 23, 1944. He married Nancy Louise Martin Sheridan on February 19, 1993 in Fremont. He was in Customer Service for Adac Plastics, Grand Rapids for 15 years until his retirement in March of 2003. He was a member of Grant United Church of Christ where he very much enjoyed working with the music. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his children Teresa & Brian Gorkiewicz of Lansing, Brandon Sullivan of Comstock Park, Michael Sheridan of Kalamazoo, Deborah Gill of Clio, Jeffrey & Patricia Sheridan of Richmond, IN, 5 grandchildren, his brothers & sisters William & Carol Sullivan of Muskegon, Gaylon & Paul Van Houten of Rapid City, SD, Eugene & Suzanne Sullivan of Okemos, Howard & Helen Sullivan of Muskegon, Nancy & Roger Warmolts of Jenison, Barry & Wendy Sullivan of Savannah, GA, Mary Lou & Jay Huffman of Muskegon. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A. M from the Grant United Church of Christ, on Thursday, October 20, 2005 with Pastor Mike Gesler officiating. There will be no visitation. For Memorials please consider Hospice of Michigan and/or Grant United Church of Christ. McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231-834-5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com
CommentsUncle Mick, you are with Grandpa and Grandma now. Like I stated before to you, they wanted a child to come home to them. You will be missed and loved, but your struggles are gone. Someday we will see you again in heaven. Your true life is really beginning. Nancy, Teresa and Brandon - our prayers are with you if there is anything we can do, please let us know. Love Rob, Julie, Ashleigh, Aleshia, Aaron and Baby Haleigh.
CommentsWe will remember Mike's uplifting attitude toward everything and everyone he encountered. We are so happy for the years he shared with Nancy and the family. The 'choirs of angels' will be singing glorious music from now on......Gil and Sue Brown
CommentsThough we all knew this was inevitable it still doesn't seem real and came way too soon. Uncle Mick is living the good life in Paradise and we will all see him again someday. I hope he got to ride up in a VW convertible as I sure enjoyed our ride a few weeks ago. There are many other memories to cherish. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy, Teresa and Brandon, as well as our extended family. See you sometime, Uncle Mick..Grandma and Grandpa too! Love Suz
CommentsDear Mike - You brought happiness and laughter into the life of my sister and became a loving member of our whole family. Your quick wit and enjoyment of laughter was apparent the minute you walked into a room. I will always remember the first time I met you - do you remember? Nancy had called me and asked me to take a note to you at work at the D&W meat counter. Well, I knew you were her new "beau" so I couldn't miss an opportunity to joke a little bit. So I brought you the note (my girlfriend was with me) and I had doused it pretty heavily with perfume. I had no idea which one of the guys you were so I just told the first guy I was looking for Mike Sullivan. He went to get you and I could hear him and the other guys "ribbing" you a little that a "couple of women" were looking for you. You came out, with them following, and I introduced myself. One of the guys made a teasing comment about him never having had a woman come looking for him in the "meat" department let alone two. Mike, you never missed a beat when you turned and said "oh these lovely ladies are just a few of my harem". I'll miss you, my brother, and look forward to seeing you again some day. Nancy, Theresa & Brandon, my heart aches for your loss and your sadness. I pray you will take comfort knowing he is at peace, with no pain, and I'm sure leading the Angel Choir. Please let me know of anything I could do for you. Gaila Martin
CommentsDear Nancy, We were so sorry to hear about Mike! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Don & Dottie Martinson
CommentsYou will be in our prayers in the coming days. Mike was a special brother-in-law. He will be missed and we are left with a void in our life. He was truly a pleasure to have known him. We are here for you if you need anything. We are only a phone call away. We love you Nan, Bill and Fran
CommentsMIKE WAS A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY,IF THER IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO LET US KNOW.LOVE SCOTT,LISA,MCKENNA,TRENTON DORE
CommentsPraying for you Aunt Nancy and while we mourn we know Uncle Mickey rejoices with Christ. He had an amazing attitude and we were priveleged to call him family. Our love, Duane, Chris, Jonah, Benjamin and Andrew
CommentsDear Nancy, family and friends of Mike, I have no way of knowing the grief that you are experiencing, because I was never as lucky as you to have such a wonderful person, like Mike, as part of my family. Your loss is great because of Mike's greatness...and, at least from my point view...not as measured by the world's standards for "greatness" but because of his own personal greatness. I was privileged to know a quiet and unassuming, but sincere Mike...one who was thoughtful enough to say thank you and make you feel like you did something really special. My fondest memory as well as a "life lesson learned" will always be one that I call the "coin story". Shortly after Mike was diagnosed with terminal cancer I found myself at the Crystal Cathedral in Pasadena, CA. At that time I had opportunity to purchase a prayer token and then offer prayer in a place where some of the greatest theologians...and men and women of prayer...have knelt to offer prayer. I placed my prayer token on the alter, knelt and asked that God extend the life of my friend's husband...that they would be able to enjoy one another's company, that they would see many sunrises and sunsets and that they would come to appreciate the love between them as something sacred. After the prayer, I carried the small token back to Grant and gave it to Mike, letting him know that I had prayed for him and that I knew God had heard my prayer. Several months later...when things were going a little better for Mike, I was greeted with a hug, and he pulled the prayer token out of his pocket and said..."God's working on this one." I still believe he was...but more than that, I believe that that through that prayer coin God not only answered my prayers... (I do wish that I had been bold enough to ask for more), but God also revealed to me the power of prayer and the power of sharing one's concern for others. From that time on, I felt a special bond with Mike... I knew he carried the coin in his pocket...but I also knew that he valued the prayers of people like me who found it hard to express themselves because he felt a special bond with us. Your loss is great and there is no way we can buffer it...but because Mike was so special, we can empathize in a small degree. Blessings of peace - with love, Dianne Roberts
CommentsAunt Nancy, Theresa and Brandon our thoughts and prayers are with you. I talked to Uncle Mick a couple of weeks ago and he was very upbeat on what was going to happen. He told me that he was going to a much better place and sad that we would all still be here on Earth with all the problems. He will be sadly missed by so many people whose lives he touched. If we can do anything please let us know. Love Jim, Jerri, Chris and Jeremy
CommentsDear Nancy & all of our cousins, We mourn for our wonderful cousin, Mickey. We admired his wonderful outlook & courage in his situation. We were so glad the Lord extended his life so he had time to spend with everyone close to him. He was always concerned about others. We will surely miss him. Our hearts go out to you all. Love, Alyce (Miller) Shutzbaugh & John Shutzbaugh, Vacaville, CA
CommentsDear Aunt Nancy, our love and prayers are with you. Having known Mike such a short time, it was clear to all that he truly loved you and he loved life. He will be sadly missed. His life left a whole in our hearts, that will now be filled with cherished memories for you and all to reflect on. Prayers are with you, we loved Mike, and we will always remember him with love. From Joe and Rose Garcia and family.
CommentsDear Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. If I can be of any help, I am only a phone call away.Love, Joyce (cuz)
CommentsWell, there's not much one can say, During a time such as this, Let us celebrate the life, For now in Heaven, there is bliss... There is probably no doubt, That Grandpa started a band, With Grandma on the organ, And now Mick, drum sticks in hand... I played a round of golf Friday, Figuring Uncle Mick would be near, I teed up with all confidence, And swung without fear... Much to my suprise, I could have sworn I heard Mick laugh, As I sliced the first drive, And took down a small calf...(yeah, golf Texas style...Longhorns and Oil derricks...no windmills here :O) God, let us all remember, The good times, not the bad, For these times are inevitable, And no one should be sad... If you believe such as I, Then this message I will send, Live your life as you should And know...this is not the End... God Bless, Uncle Mick...you will be missed...our thoughts and prayers go out to your family... Robert and Kayley Sullivan (McKinney, TX)
CommentsMike: The years we worked together I heard some terrific one-liners. If you don't mind I'm gonna apprpriate a couple of them - especially, "I'd like to stretch a mile, and would if I didn't have to walk back. Miss ya already, but know that we'll meet again one day. - Bill Brown
CommentsMike: The years we worked together I heard some terrific one-liners. If you don't mind I'm gonna apprpriate a couple of them - especially, "I'd like to stretch a mile, and would if I didn't have to walk back". Miss ya already, but know that we'll meet again one day. - Bill Brown
CommentsOur thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Your brother Gene and Jan Cardinal
CommentsWe are terribly saddened by the passing of our Uncle Mick. We will miss spending time with him - laughing, sharing stories about the old days of growing up in the Sullivan family, and just hanging out together at family gatherings. Mick led a life of integrity and compassion, even during the difficult times. His tremendous strength gives us an example to follow in our own lives. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you, Nancy, for providing such tremendous love and support to Mick, especially during these last difficult months. Love, Brian, Renee, Melissa, Connor, and Cameron
CommentsDear Nancy & Family, We had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Mike over 30 years ago when he was associate with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Mike was one of those people that went that extra mile for anyone he cared about. After he met and married you he said his life was complete again. It was great to see him a happy person with the love he found with you. He will be truly missed by all those that had the opportunity to know him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. - Remember all the good memories you where able to have with Mike during the last years of his life. Char Livermore, Sharon Drake and her daughters Chris & Connie who will always remember the love Mike gave to us as a friend.
CommentsAunt Nancy, we were so sad when we heard about uncle mickey. But, he's in a better place now. he will always be in our hearts. To the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.dumbledore This existence of ours is as transient as autumn clouds.To watch the birth and death of beings is like looking at the movements of a dance. A lifetime is a flash of lightning in the sky. Rushing by,like a torrent down a steep mountain. :-( taylor sullivan
CommentsTo everybody-I cannot thank you enough for the love, support, and prayers throughout my dad's illness and his life. Family, friends, laughter, love, and music were his life. My dad's positive attitude, Nancy's wonderful care, and your prayers made all the difference in his outliving the "time" that he was given when first diagnosed. I am so proud of his strength and hope that I can be half the person he was while on Earth. I am so happy that he found such a wonderful and caring person to be his wife. Brandon and Nancy he loves you more than you'll ever know. May we all learn and be comforted by his strength. I know he will always be with us. I miss you so much, Dad. Love Teresa (your "little muppet").
CommentsTo my nephew, Michael, a very loving & caring person, I always enjoyed the times we were together & will miss you very much. Nancy, you were so wonderful to take such loving care. My sympathy goes out to you & your family. Much love from Aunt Rhea (Sullivan) Miller, Concord, CA
CommentsMichael was a vey special friend to alot of people here at Adac. I have worked with Michael for about 10 years and he was a dear friend. I will miss his smile and great personality, he has met some of my kids that hold a place in their hearts for him. Michael you will be deaply missed and I know God has a plan for you. We love you very much. Sarah Iler
CommentsNancy, Mike was soo lucky to have a person like you to take such good care and you both made eachother such wonderful people. Our thoughts and prayer will be with you. Sarah Iler
Comments"As long as we live & remember, our loved one lives in our hearts". With Deepest Sympathy to all who's lives were touched by Mike. Sincerely, Bob and Cathy Moore
CommentsMike, Your positive attitude and sense of humor brightened a lot of moments at ADAC. I always looked forward to our conversations and your jokes (the jokes were always mostly clean). My thoughts and prayer are with your family and I know that God has set a special place for you beside him. Love Pat Morse
CommentsI will always remember Michael...He brought alot of smiles and happiness into our lives here at ADAC 32nd St. He was a beautiful person. I am honored that I got to have him as a friend. Vicki Edmonds, Receptionist
CommentsI have put off doing this as I was hoping to get past the point where I would not be boo-hooing all over my keyboard. Everytime I read everyone's comments I start all over again......It is not surprising that everybody has something positive to say about Uncle Mick. It's just simply true. He was always ready with a hug and a smile when we came up to visit for the summer and would get together with him and Aunt Nancy. I remember eons ago when the Sullivan family would gather together over to Gramps and Grandma's for Christmas get togethers and Uncle Mick and Uncle Barry wrestling with all of us cousins and I remember Uncle Mick saying "I'm going to box your ears". I'm still not sure what that means. He has always kept that playful attitude like when in July this summer, he came to see my dad's Bus at the Mr. Quick car show and went for a spin in the parking lot with Tyler and Shelby hanging out the moon roof. That was probably one of the last things on his mind to do that day but I had bugged him about coming over for it and he took the time to do it even though I know he couldn't have been feeling the greatest. He was a good Uncle to me and a good Great Uncle to Tyler and Shelby, and always made Charles feel a part of the family. Thank you Aunt Nancy for your courage. Cousin Brandon and Cousin Teresa, our thoughts and prayers are with you. To the rest of my Aunts and Uncles you are in our thoughts and prayers as well as this is the first brother to pass and I know it must be hard. Love, Niece/Cousin Deb, Charles, Tyler & Shelby (Smith)
CommentsHi Nancy, Sorry to hear about Mike, but I know it has been a long haul. It sounds like he had many good days and times since it all started, but I know he was very sick at times also. I hope you can find comfort in your friends, family, and church and that you won't be too lonely. Good luck in yet another stage of your life, and I wish you well. Take care, Denise McDaniel
CommentsWhile these are sad and difficult times I like to think of our brother Mick for the simple pleasures he enjoyed such as a good cup of coffee, playing with Mindy, a visit to the casino, camping and more camping. He really enjoyed talking to people. He was in his element at the Pentwater garage sale where he had a chance to chat with a variety of people and swap stories. He loved getting together with his immediate and extended family. Even during the last difficult days he welcomed a steady stream of visitors and did not complain about his illness. Thanks to all who gave such great support these past months. Especially thanks to Hospice and most of all to our sister-in-law Nancy who gave Mick support, care and love during his illness. Brother Gene, Sister-in-law Suzanne and niece Taylor Sullivan
CommentsI am so sorry to read about Mike, I know the family will miss him a lot. Nancy, I know what you went through and I can relate to your feelings. I know there is nothing to make you feel better. My thoughs and prayers are with you at this time. Please, when things slow down write or call me. A friend always Mary (Pierce) Godfrey
CommentsDear Nancy, I love you so much and i'm so sorry that you had to lose someone that you loved so very much. My heart and prayers go out to you. I'm just so very happy that you had 12 years of enjoying life with Mike and he with you. You two were wonderful "for" and "with" each other. Sometimes I beleive lifes happiness starts with being at the right place at the right time, and I feel fortunate that I was involved in that moment. I loved Mike as my own blood brother, as I know he loved me. We had so many great times and talks togather. I will miss them, I will miss him. To say I wish he was still here would be shelfish on my part as he is home now and awaiting his family and friends to someday join him. To Theresa and Brandon please accept my heartfelt condolences. You have lost a wonderful person in your life, and you were so lucky to be able to call him "DAD". You will all be in my thoughts and prayers, and I will always be here for all of you. Your loving sister, aunt and friend, Carole
CommentsNancy and family, we are truely saddened with the passing of our great friend and neighboor. He will be missed very much. God Bless you. If they is anything we can do to help you please don't hesitate to ask. Love Jim and Jodi Sedlecky
CommentsTo a very special friend and cousin, your passing was not a surprise, now you are free. Take care you "old goat". Will remember the fun time the four of us had in Vegas. You will always be in our hearts. Sandy & Dick Miller
CommentsI have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sullivan, but Brandon is one of my students at Grand Valley. He is a fine young man. I have no doubt that he owes part of his wonderful character to the positive influence he received from his parents. While it is sad and tragic that Brandon will have to through this terrible loss at such a young age, I do know that the memories of the time he spent with his Dad, and the example of devotion from his Mom towards her husband("in sickness and in health" will be with him for the rest of his life... Professor Teresa Castelao-Lawless
CommentsYes, Nancy, we will be talking about the Howard City baby buggy and vacuum cleaner forever. :) As well as many stories, jokes, games, etc. around the campfires. We can still share them with each other when we go camping or at a family gathering. Mick loved ALL of his family and you very much and spoke it often. Thank you for sharing him with us. I will miss him very much, but I know the Lord is taking good care of him and that he is okay now. I will always think of him when I hear the FROGS sing! Peace and Love to you,Teresa and Brandon, MaryLou (Aunt Lou)
CommentsNancy and family, We were so sad to hear about your loss and our prayers will be with you and your family ...Mike was such a great person and we are all very glad that we got a chance to know him. Dalton sends you a big hug. ( I wouldnt let him come over ) God Bless....Dwight , Tami , Dwight Jr. and Dalton Desotelle
CommentsMy mom (Sarah Iler) worked with Mike at ADAC and that is how I met him so many years ago. Dispite the age difference, he instantly became my friend. His warm smile and subtle jokes were magnetic. He always urged me to do more, like join the choir in college (Western, his alma mater), and grow closer to the LORD. I am excited to see him again one day. I hope he reached his goal of a million hugs before he passed. Jen Romine (Iler)
CommentsMom, I am so sorry for your loss, but I am also somewhat relieved that you no longer have to watch Mike suffer. I know it was very hard for you, especially towards the end. Mike was an awesome person who touched many lives, including my own. He was a terrific grandpa to Aaron and Ryan. His hugs, jokes, and conversations will be deeply missed. Thank you Mike, for being a truly wonderful person, for loving my Mom and making her life happy and fulfilled once again. You came into her life at a time that she truly needed you. You gave each other so much. Teresa and Brandon I can't even imagine what you are feeling. I am so sorry that you lost your Dad so soon. I know you will cherish your memories and keep him close to your heart. We will all miss him dearly. Please sing loud, Mike, so that we can hear you from Heaven! Love, Debbie
CommentsI can't help but be sad about Uncle Mick's passing. I know he is in a wonderful place, but I will still miss him. I didn't see Mick much these last few years, but I think back to great memories of Uncle Mick when I was young. I always enjoyed seeing Mick when I was a kid. He always had a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. And he always had time to joke around with us kids. He was a great uncle and a great person, and we will all miss him alot. My thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy and the rest of your family. Joel
CommentsMany nights spent staying up after you told Brandon and I to go to bed. Several rounds of golf, always showing us young guys how to do it. Always a smiling face at the family reunions. You will be missed. Even now, you can probably shoot a lower round but, now, you have much better competition; teach them a few of the tricks you taught me. --Anthony Huffman, nephew
CommentsAunt Nancy, Teresa, & Brandon, Praying for each of you as we all mourn the home going of Uncle Mick. I so appreciate the special gift God has blessed my family and myself with the regular visits of Uncle Mick and the rest of my relatives. As a hairdresser you get to see people on a regular basis when they are your client. I am so fortunate that Uncle Mick choose to let me be his hairstylist. What a gift to see him every 5-6 weeks!! My children always looked forward to seeing him and the piggyback rides up the stairs, and the extra dollar he would tip them for being so good while mom cut his hair. He always took the time to play with them just like he always did with us when we were little. The thing I always enjoyed most was his hug, kiss, and the "I love you" that he always gave me before he left. He truly loved his family. ALL his family. Our prayers will continue to be with you all. Aunt Nancy, thank you for taking such good care of him. It made easier on everyone knowing he was in such good hands, yours and God Almighty. I praise God for all the prayers that He answered "Yes" to, but now our Lord and Savior wants Uncle Mick home with Him. We look forward to the day when we will be reunited with him. With all our love, Keith, Wendy, Michelle and Kristina Schultz
CommentsI didn't know Mike very long, only when he came to visit ADAC Plastics, but I could tell from my brief encounters that he was a very loving and loved person. I am very happy for him that he got to travel and do the things he loved before going home. As long as you keep him in your heart and mind, he will never be gone. Sincerely, Linda Lauria
CommentsTo Michael - my husband, my lover, my companion: You came into my life 13 short years ago, and stayed by my side. We had lots of laughter, love, and good times - along with a few "hiccups" as you would call them. In addition to being a devoted husband, you were a loving father and grandfather to my children as well as your own. Your sense of humor was wonderful, and I'll actually miss hearing some of your numerous "blonde" jokes. During your long bout with cancer, you never complained. Your biggest concern was leaving me and our children behind. Michael, you have greatly enriched my life, and the memories I have are so very precious. I thank the Lord for bringing you to me, and also enriching my life with your two wonderful children. I will miss you dearly, but I am comforted, knowing you no longer suffer and are at peace with our Lord in heaven. Goodbye for now, Michael, but NOT forever! Your loving wife, Nancy
CommentsDear Nancy, I just received this web site address so I want to add my thoughts. I knew him as my cousin, Mickey. He was two years older than me so when we were kids, I played with Mickey, Barry, and Mary Lou mostly. We had wonderful times at Ravenna and then Wolf Lake. Holidays were special times to get together. We would hang up a blanket on a clothesline in our basement and put on "shows" for the rest of the family. In the summer we would go swimming and boating on Wolf Lake. When I say boating I am talking about a row boat. We would row down to some lily pad infested part of the lake and look for frogs and turtles. After growing up, I didn't see him often. Once at a Fromholz reunion in Traverse City and again in Branson, Mo. for Aunt Rhea's surprise birthday party. We had fun there and it was great to renew our family ties. You will have many great memories, and I would suggest that you start writing them down. Memories tend to fade with time. Hope I get to meet you again sometime, but with happy circumstances. My husband, Ron, and I are very sorry for your loss. Love, Caryl Mack
CommentsNancy: I just wanted to express my deepest sympathies for you and your family at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God bless you and watch over you. Scott Dalrymple Kent County Health Dept.
McKinley Funeral Homes, Inc.
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