Norma Sullivan

CLICK HERE TO WATCH NORMA'S MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

Norma Jean Sullivan was born on December 6, 1932 near Dunlap, Iowa to parents Alfred and Evelyn (Koski) Mitchell. She attended country school and graduated from Dunlap High School.  On November 14, 1951, Norma married Leo Paul Sullivan at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dunlap. The couple farmed northeast of Dunlap. Norma was the consummate farm wife and raised eight kids while helping run the farm. Norma was involved in numerous community projects and businesses over the years. She worked at the Safari Club, managed bookkeeping for the family business, Sullivan Seed and Feed, cooked at the Dunlap Senior Citizens Center and owned and operated Norma’s Stitch and Sew company for 20 years, which included doing the sewing for Sullivan Supply. Norma retired at the age of 80.

Norma was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church where she served as a Catholic Daughter. Norma enjoyed her clubs and social activities and was an avid member of the Chattering Dozen Neighborhood Club and oversaw the Horticulture Barn at the Four County Fair for 20 years. She also served on the Four County Fair Board. Norma always had a massive garden and prided herself in annually canning countless jars of tomato’s, jelly’s, pickles, a large variety of sauces, green beans, and also froze a lot of produce to feed family and friends. Her family would gather each summer at the Sullivan farm to can 100+ quarts of corn and then pick potatoes at the Alfred Mitchell farm.  She was famous for her homemade ice cream as well as her lasagna. Norma also had a passion for cooking and baking and was especially thrilled when the grandkids participated in decorating her Christmas cookies. Norma learned to yodel at a young age and continued yodeling throughout her life.  

There was nothing more important in life to Norma than family and she focused her life around them. Family vacations started 59 years ago by Norma and Leo Paul at Lake Okoboji which today is still a traditional favorite vacation spot for the family. Norma loved to play bingo, checkers, puzzles, go fish and slap jack with the grandkids. Norma always loved her family get-togethers where laughter and warmth was extended to all.

Norma passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024 at her home near Dunlap at the age of 91 years, three months and four days.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leo Paul Sullivan; son, Leo A. Sullivan; great grandson, Kobie Garner; and brother, Bob Mitchell. She is survived by her seven children, Bart Sullivan and his wife Lisa, Joe Sullivan and his wife Beth, Dave Sullivan, Roger Sullivan, John Sullivan and his wife Dede all of Dunlap, Iowa, Dan Sullivan of Hillsboro, Texas, and Jean and her husband Wayne Beam of Ankeny, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Chuck Mitchell and his wife Sally; sister, Phyllis Klein both of Dunlap, Iowa and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be given to the Four County Fair Grounds or the Dunlap Fire and Rescue.