Vera Sullivan

Vera Ann Sullivan, age 95, of Lake City, MN and formerly of St. Clair, Marine on St. Croix and Madelia, MN died June 24, 2024, of congestive heart failure surrounded by love at home by her children and sons and daughter-in-law.

Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Madelia on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Madelia. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

On a cold winter day on January 6, 1929, Vera arrived in the home of her grandmother, the first child of Leo Kruse and Edith (Hollmichel) Kruse.  She was the eldest of 6 children and grew up on a farm outside of Mankato, MN.  Vera graduated from St. Clair High School and was the valedictorian of her class. She played the trumpet in band and was a drum majorette.

She attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, MN where she met her dear friend Pat Sullivan.  Through this friendship, mom met Pat’s brother, Jerry, her future husband.  With their 5 children, they went on to live in several Minnesota state parks including Kilen Woods, Flandrau, Jay Cooke and Wm Obrien. Jerry and Vera were married for 47 years.

Vera’s biggest loves beside her family, was traveling, her treasured books and magazines and her wide collection of dollhouse miniatures.  Her gift was crocheting ½ inch granny squares and 1 inch needlepoint pictures. She was a lifetime member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts. She was also a member of the Betsy-Tacy Society.

When asked what her secret was for living a long life, she said to grow up on a farm and have healthy ancestors! To her family and friends, Vera was a much-loved woman who had an amazing zest for life!

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters; beloved husband, Jerry; and 2 beautiful daughters, Colleen Sullivan and Ann Kunz.

Vera leaves behind three children, Michael (Judy) Sullivan of Foley, MN, Jean (Ron) Michels of Lake City, MN and PJ (Ken) Durand of Keene, New Hampshire; 9 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 3 brothers; multiple nieces and nephews; and many friends.