Robert James Sullivan

Robert James Sullivan, age 88 of Rhinelander, died on April 9, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 8, 1935, the son of Russell and Dora (Pember) Sullivan. He attended St. Peter & Paul Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. After high school he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea from 1954 to 1956. Robert went on to further his education at the University of Wisconsin Madison and graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Robert married the former Sandra Biro on September 19, 1959, at the St. Peter & Paul Church in Wisconsin Rapids and they shared 64 wonderful years together.

Robert was employed as a civil engineer for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 36 years. From 1957 to 1960 he worked part time while he attended college, and after earning his degree he began working full time up until retirement.

Robert is survived by his wife Sandra, his children Shawn (Debra) Sullivan, Shannon (Michael) Murray, Shane (Danica) Sullivan, Kelli (Mark Schullo) Sullivan, and Colleen Sullivan, his grandchildren Katherine (Aaron) Meyer, Samantha Sullivan, Kayla Kramschuster, Kimberly Kramschuster, Logan Coppenger, McKenna Coppenger, MacKenzie Immerfall and Brian Murray, his great-grandchildren Olivia Kolb, Mackenzie Meyer, Max Meyer, and Taylan Murray, his siblings Kathleen Borens, Patrick (Dianne) Sullivan and Sharon Sullivan, other family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his son Scott Sullivan, his grandson Ryan Sullivan, his sister Maureen O’Brien, and his brother John Sullivan.

Visitation for Robert will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., all at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. Father Chris Kemp will be officiating. Interment will take place at the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw. You may leave your private condolences for the Sullivan family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Sullivan family.