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Glen Sullivan Obituary

On August 17, culminating a life spent selflessly taking care of others, Glen "Sully" Sullivan ended his brave journey and passed into the care of his loving God.

Born into the ultimate Nebraska Cornhusker family-his father was legendary team trainer George Sullivan-Nebraska football was a lifelong passion. Yet it paled in comparison to the true passion of Sully's life: Taking care of others.

From his team at IBM-where his achievements over a 35-year career are innumerable-to the many friends who basked in his warmth and laughter-Sully cared for us all with a fierce, selfless loyalty, humor and love.

But family was what truly mattered. And oh, how it mattered.

Sully married the love of his life, Karen, on June 28, 1980. The children followed and it is their memories, their laughter, their strength and character that define the magnificent success of Sully's life. Megan, Katherine, Ben and Kristen are brilliant reflections of the intelligence, kindness, humor and joy Sully brought to the world. His loving presence will be sustained forever by the incredible stories they will tell their own children about their amazing Grandpa Sully.

Sully's memory is cherished by wife Karen, children Megan (Tristan), Katherine (Kevin), Ben and Kristen, and grandson Matthew, as well as parents George and Genie Sullivan, brother Greg, and father-in-law Klayton Johnson. In passing, he joins brother Gary and mother-in-law Dolores Johnson.

We will celebrate this amazing life Friday, August 22, at 1 p.m. in St. Paul's Catholic Church in Colorado Springs. A reception will follow. A visitation will take place at Swan Law Funeral Home on Thursday, August 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. A Vigil will take place following the visitation at 7 p.m at St Paul's Catholic Church. To continue his legacy of caring for others, you are invited to donate to the Glen Sullivan Scholarship Fund.

Sully lived a wonderful life in every way that matters, except for one: He left us much too soon. And yet, if you measure a life not in years, but by how deeply we love and are loved by others, Sully outlived us all.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Aug. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Glen Sullivan

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Nancy Ruppert

September 18, 2014

Karen, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. Glen was a wonderful person. I enjoyed visiting with him often as I walked past your home. Please let us know if there is anything we can do during this difficult time. Best, The Ruppert Family

Marcia Pedrick

September 5, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your family.

Tom Wheatley

August 29, 2014

I remember Glen as having a friendly demeanor and I wish we could have talked in the years after school.I pray that God would comfort your hearts as only He can.

Kurt Hayes

August 28, 2014

Thanks for sharing all those great family pictures. It brings to life the great conversations I had with Glen. I was lucky enough to have him as my friend, mentor and IBM manager for nearly 5 years on the compliance team. We often talked about our families. He was one proud, dedicated family man who lit up whenever he talked of Karen, his kids, and grandson.

While I will miss my great friend I take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

August 27, 2014

DEAR KAREN AND FAMILY,
I just learned of Sully's passing and am so sad for all of you and for all of us. I met Sully in 1979 when I went to college at UNL. My brother, Kent, was a Sig Ep and I became a Little Sister of the Golden Heart. He was always so kind to me. Sully's personality was fun loving and bigger than life.
That smile will always be remembered...
Karen, my Delta Gamma sister, It was easy to see why the two of you made such a wonderful life together.. you shared a vibrancy and passion for life.
My condolences reach out to George and his wife, as well as the entire family. Prayers of comfort flow west from fellow Huskers from Nebraska. God Grant you all comfort and peace.
Kay (Grosshans) Lyons, Marquette, NE
Kent Grosshans, Central City, NE

Jean Zier (Purdy)

August 26, 2014

Karen and family: My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you for the loss of a great husband and father. May the memories give you peace at this difficult time.

Kathy Lutz Dusenbery

August 25, 2014

Karen,
No words can express how sad this news is. Prayers and hugs for your entire family. My college memories of you and Sully are ones of true love and joy.

Kay Peters

August 25, 2014

Thank you for sharing all of the wonderful pictures. Glen and family were truly rich beyond measure. That is very evident in all of the these happy memories. RIP Glen and my sincere sympathy to the family.

Jack Buller

August 25, 2014

To the Sullivan family. I met Sully when I was 18 and got completely pulled into that bigger than life personality of his. As I suspect did most people he touch for the next 35+ years. A gentleman full of energy and love love love. My very best to you as you move through this stage.

Tom Beswick

August 23, 2014

Karen and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I was truly saddened to hear of Sully's passing. I always enjoyed working with him and have many good memories of you all while you were here in Grand Island. Treasure the memories and thank God for the time you had with Sully, even though it was way to short.

Ron Sinclair

August 23, 2014

To Karen, George, Genie and family,
It is with great sadness that I sit and write these words. Although Glen and I had not seen or talked with each other for years, it still hurts to see my friend has passed on.

There is something about those close friends with whom we share our youth. We cruised, we laughed, we talked girls, we golfed, we fought, and we trusted each other.

We were young and the world lay wide open before us.

Lives are shaped by family, friends, work, values and a touch of fate. As each of us struggle to grow and then hopefully achieve a certain independence and dignity, our lives can intersect or sometimes split in different directions. It's odd how easily we can be connected these days yet miles and the march of time can disconnect.

It seems Glen has a wonderful family and is respected by many. Although time and distance drew us apart, I'm proud of the life my old friend lived.

Tim Lemke

August 22, 2014

Karen and family...my thoughts and prayers are with you and every one of your family. I will keep you in my prayers!

John DeMaria

August 22, 2014

Karen, My time working with Glen at IBM was too infrequent due to distance, though, it was always great to spend time with him. He was a great guy and I admired him so much, not only for his abilities, but his character. To see the pictures of you and your family just validates for me why I always could tell he was a class act. You picked the perfect guy to help you acheive such a wonderful lfie together and for you to raise such a beautiful loving family. Gail and I were so sad to hear of your loss. We will always remember Glen. Our prayers are with you. John DeMaria

Jim Ruggieri

August 22, 2014

Karen, Megan, Katherine, Ben, and Kristin - I want to offer my most sincere sympathy for the profound loss of your Husband and Father. Glen was a wonderful family man and the best of friends.

I have come to realize that Glen's friendship to me was a gift a from God. Glen was truly a “brother from another mother” to me. Frankly, it's a little scary how similar we were, but that compatibility drew us close together over the past 10(+) years. We kept each other (relatively) sane at IBM by focusing on the “good stuff” in life; family and children (Glen spoke early and often about how proud he was of each you). We shared the love of sports – football and baseball, years of Rockies Opening Days (hot dogs, cold beer, the smell of fresh cut grass and baseball trivia); Monday morning arm chair quarterbacking for the Broncos, Cornhuskers and college football. Glen once said, in a perfect world we would pay no taxes and all radio stations would play Country music or 70's Rock n' Roll. Now.. who could argue with that?

Glen you left this world way too soon, but the memories you left us with will never diminish or fade. We will cherish them always. I miss you dearly my friend.

August 22, 2014

Dear Karen and Family, We have all lost a wonderful family man and friend. The IBM "corner office" will never be the same. Ron and Jan Altman (Colorado Spgs.)

Roger Hilzer

August 22, 2014

Karen, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Wish you the best.

Carlos and Vivette Cardenas

August 22, 2014

Dearest Karen. We just received word of Sully's passing into the care of our Lord. Words cannot express our grief with this news. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your beautiful family. Know that we always so admired the two of you for your joy, passion for life, love freely given to all, faith in God and the sheer beauty of your love for each other that we were blessed to bear witness to. Sully lives on within that love that you were so blessed to share for so many years and we know that some measure of comfort will be found in this knowledge. Take care our dear friend and know that while we could not be there during this time of sorrow, we are always with you in prayer and love for you all.

Elaine O'Neal Phillips

August 22, 2014

Dear Karen & kids, it was my priveledge to spend time with you & Sully at MDA these past few months. Sometimes I watched you all in his room before I came in. The enormous amount of love was obvious. This wonderful man has joined the amazing angels in heaven (we know a few). His light & love will continue in you all.

lisa hovenga

August 21, 2014

Madeline just told me about Glen after she saw Kristen's posting. I cannot imagine your grief. You have such an amazing and beautiful family- what lovely memories. We are all so sad for you.

Pat and Helen Mills

August 21, 2014

Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers, Sully was a good man.

Kathy Sanders

August 21, 2014

Dearest Karen, Megan, Katherine,Ben & Kristin,
Our hearts go out to your family. Please know all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We have such fond memories of your family during our time in Colorado Springs. I can remember John and Sully coaching Ben and Josh's basketball team at CME. Sully was always such a kind person and one we will always cherish knowing. Remember when you lose someone you love dearly, you gain an angel you know. Much Love, The Sanders...Kathy, John,Josh,Emily and Tommy

Robert (Bob) Archuleta

August 21, 2014

As an IBMer I had the good fortune to know Glen. My heart was saddened to find out he was ill and is broken now that he is gone. Glen was special and I will always have great memories of my IBM family member.

Deb Johnson

August 21, 2014

Karen,
It has been a long time since we connected, but I remember your love for Sully. My heart goes out to you, your children, and extended family.

Debra Bowman Cohen

August 21, 2014

Karen & family,
So sorry to hear of Sully's passing. My memory of him is his warm smile and the twinkle in his eyes that always made people around him feel good.

Pete and Karen Weatherby

August 21, 2014

Glen made the 10 years we spent at the IBM Cascade office the best decade of our careers. More than just IBM, Glen made the world a better place while he was here, and his legacy continues to make it a better place even though he has departed. Our love and prayers to Karen and the rest of the family.

Lynnelle Mundt (Karlson)

August 21, 2014

I only learned today, and am so shocked. I have not seen Karen and Sully in years, but he was a wonderful person. Karen and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

denise pirro

August 21, 2014

Glen Thanks for all the coaching. Rest in piece. I pray for your family because of the loss of a wonderful gentleman.

August 21, 2014

Karen and Sullivan Family
I am so sorry to hear of Sully's passing. Its been years since I had seen him, but great memories of him from High School and College. As I read other tributes, it is clear he touched the lives of many with his caring, kindness and humor, just as I remember him. My heart and prayers go out to you all.
May God's hand give you peace and comfort, knowing that he is resting in Heaven and watching over you all with that big smile.

Steve Isaacs
Marietta, Ga

Steve Gade

August 21, 2014

Sully was a great man on all fronts. Prayers. Steve Gade

Kelly Timmons

August 20, 2014

Mr. Sullivan was the greatest neighbor a girl could have. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as your grieve the loss of such a wonderful person...he always had a wave and a smile for everyone.

Jane Stephen

August 20, 2014

What an amazing man. Sully was a friend to everyone. Whether you just saw him last week, or a decade had past, he had a big smile and a warm hug for you.

Life was an adventure for Sully, and what a role model he was for all of us. A life well lived and never forgotten.

Karen, Megan, Katherine, Kristen, and Ben--my deepest sympathy to you, and to all who knew and loved Sully. He will be missed.

Paula Vesely

August 20, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

August 20, 2014

Dear Karen and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of Sully's passing. We didn't have the pleasure of knowing him well, but he always had a smile and a cheerful word to offer whenever we saw him. Our prayers are for all of the family and friends.
Jeanne & Coloin Nisbeth

Terry Kotschwar

August 20, 2014

I am sorry to see a teammate of ours pass at such a young age. It seems like only a short time ago we were playing football together and took the State, City and Trans-Nebraska Football title for Lincoln Northeast in 1972. We were the last ones to achieve that lofty goal and Glen was a valued member of that team. I will miss you #66.

Mike Koss

August 20, 2014

Dear Karen and Family, my heart goes out to you. Many of us have stayed in tune with prayers and thoughts as Glen courageously fought his battle. It is a testament to his character and passion for family and life how he remained so upbeat throughout. I've had the distinct privilege and pleasure of having both worked directly for Glen and as a colleague while at IBM, as well as a business partner after I retired. Throughout our relationship, I have admired his integrity, strong values and commitment to people. But I am most fortunate and blessed to have been able to call him my 'friend'. I'll cherish our conversations about Big 10 football (Nebraska v Michigan, Tom Osborne and Bo Schembechler) and the prideful exchanges about our newest 'gifts' in life (we both became first time grandpas around the same time). These times will always remain as fondest of memories. I'm very sorry I am not able to be there in Colorado Springs to honor and celebrate Glen's life later this week, but my thoughts and love will be there in kind.

Helen Vogt

August 20, 2014

Dear Karen and Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Glen at IBM. He was a true professional, who made work enjoyable and knew the value of work/life balance. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 20, 2014

Dear Karen, Megan, Katherine, Kristen and Ben,
We are lucky in life if we have a good neighbor. We had a great one! Our hearts go out to you all. We are here to help in anyway. Just say the word.
Martha and Rich Marreel

Kay Peters

August 20, 2014

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Glen's passing. Although, I had not seen Glen for years, I remember him as a great guy. My prayers and thoughts for the whole family.

Frannie Matthews

August 20, 2014

Karen, My heart goes out to you and your family. Glen was a wonderful human being and shined boldly at IBM. Always had a kind word and was consistently willing to roll up his sleeves and help. His enthusiasm, creativity and sincere engagement made me feel like we could conquer anything. His spirit will live on in many of us.

James and Maxine Belville

August 20, 2014

We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday.
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories.
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake.
With which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
We have you in our heart.

We will miss you.

David Johnson

August 20, 2014

Karen and family, your loss is such a hard thing to have to bear; grief can be so blinding. Sully will live on within each of us, however, and those memories will always be treasured. Sending my love to you all from across the miles.

Jim Heintz

August 20, 2014

Karen and Family, I am so sorry to hear that Glen has passed. What a great guy to work with and be friends with. My family is sending thoughts and prayers to you all. Truly, Glen was one of the Good Guys!

Lee Koeser

August 20, 2014

To the family of Glen Sullivan... I recently got to know Glen not only as coworker in Colorado Springs but also someone I could walk my journey with melanoma with. We were diagnosed within a few months of each other. The times we chatted about our treatments and prognosis, he was always full of hope and support. My prayers for strength and grace through these tough times will be with you all.

Brenda Harvey

August 20, 2014

Dear Sullivan Family,
Glen was the one of the most respected IBM executives based on his focus and concern for his employees and his clients. In his Senior Location Executive role for IBM Colorado Springs, he also served the entire Colorado Springs community so well and passionately every day through the years. We share in your great loss. He will be greatly missed and always be remembered for the impact he had on so many lives.

Mark Brown

August 20, 2014

My heart goes out to you during this very difficult time. I'm sure he continued on in life after college with the same upbeat life of the party attitude he had when we were friends. A great person and I'm sure a great husband, father, grandfather and son. I was proud to know him. May he rest in peace.

Larry Larson

August 19, 2014

To Karen and Family,
It was truly a pleasure to call Sully my Friend and Brother. I will always cherish his humor and gusto for life. He was tough as nails but compassionate about looking out for family and friends. We will all miss him.

Tracy Haywood

August 19, 2014

Karen & Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Glen will surely be missed. He was so upbeat and encouraging in the midst of. He was truly a champ. Heaven has received an angel. God bless

Vana White

August 19, 2014

Dear Karen and Family……my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Glen was always a delight to work with at IBM, always had a smile on his face, always was a professional and always a gentleman…..he will be missed by many. May his memory be eternal.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Vana White

Todd Adams

August 19, 2014

Dear Sullivan family...losing loved ones is so difficult, but we can be thankful for the time that God has placed them in our lives. I met Sully 40 years ago as we began our college careers as pledges of Sigma Phil Epsilon fraternity. We were roommates for two years. He was truly a gentleman and was always concerned about the well being of others. His friendship over the years was a privilege and blessing that I will always treasure. May God grant you comfort and strength in the days to come.

August 19, 2014

Dear Karen and Family

Patty Knutson

August 19, 2014

To all the Sullivan's,
Our prayers of comfort and love surround you all. Sully was the epitome of a wonderful man, husband, and father. He leaves quite a legacy of beautiful children and family. That is a life well lived. God Bless you All!

Debbie Kannapien

August 19, 2014

Glen was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rob Ballow

August 19, 2014

Dear Sullivan family and friends - my love goes out to you during this time. I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Glen over the past 7 years. I found him to a true professional, but even more importantly he was kind and a fun to be around. We need more people like him in the world. He will be missed.

Chad McClure

August 19, 2014

Dear Karen & Family - I am truly sorry for your loss. I worked with Glen for many years, serving on his IBM Federal team. He was both a friend and mentor to me and I am forever grateful to have benefited from his leadership. I will always remember Glen for his pleasant demeanor, passionate conversations on various domestic issues, and his talents for saying a lot, without using many words. Glen will surely be missed. My family's prayers are with you and your family.

Brenda Wylie-Kay

August 19, 2014

Dear Karen and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I had the honor of working with Glen for many years at IBM. He loved his family dearly and was one proud Grandpa. We loved to compare stories on our grand kids and count our blessings. God has welcomed an angel into heaven with a kind heart and never ending spirit.God Bless

August 19, 2014

Dear Karen and family, my heart goes out to you in this difficult time. I did not know Glen very well as I had only worked on the compliance team for a short period of time. He was very helpful and patient with me on several occasions, which was greatly appreciated. He was an asset to IBM.

John Kitson

August 19, 2014

It was one of the gifts of my life to share time with Glen at IBM. He was a leader, mentor, and such a good friend. How blessed his family is to have such a great man as a role model. I will treasure our memories together, and apply what Glen taught me. He would often say "Do the best you can". I will. Rest in Peace my friend.

Greg Hamilton

August 19, 2014

Dear Karen and Family...our hearts go out to you all during this difficult time. We know Sully is already in heaven...smiling down on us all...bathing in God's light...but missing you all terribly. What a kind and wonderful man!!

With Love,

Greg, Alyce, Jenna and Jack Hamilton

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