John Leo Sullivan

WAUSAU, Wis. — John Leo Sullivan Jr., 61, of Wausau, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home at 9:06 p.m. on Feb. 21, 2021, while surrounded by family.

John was born to the late John and Gertrude (Lauzon) Sullivan on May 16, 1959, in Wakefield, Michigan, and was raised in the Bessemer, Michigan, area. At just 13, he started tearing down walls and blowing fuses. At 22, he was teaching electrician and construction courses at the technical college and in 1985, he started Wide Angle Construction Company.

John married Elizabeth “Betsy” LaRose on July 28, 1979. They moved to the Wausau area in 1993, where he continued to work in construction until 1998 when he bought his first CBRF (Community Based Residential Facility) and found a passion working in the mental health industry.

John was a man of many talents. Not only was he a Master of Construction, but he was also musically gifted and had a passion for playing piano. Elton John was his favorite musician and he especially enjoyed “Rocketman”.” He was a practical joker and found an easy victim in his sons. He loved flower gardening and had the most beautiful flowerbeds. He also enjoyed cruises in the Caribbean and to destinations such as Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, just to name a few.

John was a man who helped everyone he knew fix things. He is so loved and will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his wife, Betsy; sons, Russell (Krysta) Sullivan and Derek (Jessica) Sullivan; grandkids, Kali, Ireland, Aidan and Harper; and siblings, Michael (Tami) Sullivan, Joe (Lorraine) Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan, Curt (Cindy) Sullivan, and Ramona (Jim) Collins. He is preceded in death by his parents; and parent-in-laws, Anne and Vernard LaRose.

A celebration of John’s life will be held in the Bessemer area this summer.

Our family wishes to thank any and all involved in John’s care.

Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel is assisting the family.