SULLIVAN, Robert C.

SULLIVAN, Robert C. (Dubuque, IA, Feb. 24, 1925--Dubuque, IA, Oct. 20, 2013) The son of Robert and Ida Giegerich Sullivan, Robert attended Nativity Grade School and graduated from DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL.

Upon graduation from high school, Robert enlisted in the Marine Corps to fight in WORLD WAR II. He served in the Pacific theatre and was twice wounded in combat, receiving two Purple Hearts. Robert married Mary Palen on November 23, 1946, in Davenport, Iowa, while Mary was a senior at CLARKE COLLEGE.

MODEL WALLPAPER & PAINT COMPANY was his career. He started in the family business as a clerk in 1945, advanced to CEO and partner by 1956, and retired in 1987. In the 1990s, he served as chairman of a special committee investigating the Iowa Trust Fund scandal where more than $24 million in city funds were misappropriated by the fund's California manager.

Robert and Mary were charter members of ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CATHOLIC CHURCH. He served on numerous parish committees as well as chairing the parish council. His service was recognized with the Parish and School Service Award and the Parish Renovation and Renewal Award. Bob co-founded the Wahlert High School Booster Club and was a Booster Club officer for several years. In the community, Robert was interim director of the DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE in 1988. He served on the Dubuque Coalition for the Prevention of Crime and was a board member for Project Concern and the Sunnycrest Manor trustees. He was named Jaycees Boss of the Year.

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Source:

1. Hogstrom, Erik, "Businessman Robert Sullivan Dies," Telegraph Herald, Oct. 21, 2013, p. 3A

2. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, Guestbook. Online: http://www.leonardfuneralhome.com/obits/printout.php?oid=378335