Michael Sullivan

Mike Sullivan was born in Duluth, Minnesota, and adopted by Francis and Dorothy Sullivan. Mike always said he was “content with my past, my adopted parents, and the knowledge that I was chosen and someone special,” and that sense of being loved and lucky stayed with him throughout his life. 

Mike spent his early childhood in Hibbing until age six, when the family moved to the Shenango Mine Location, where his dad worked for Snyder Mining Company. When the mine closed in 1952, the family literally moved their home to Chisholm. A year later, when Mike was just 12, his beloved mom passed away. Reflecting on his childhood, Mike once wrote: 

“My earliest memories are living in an isolated mining location, raised by extremely loving, devoted and tolerant parents. The out-of-doors, the endless winters spent on an ice rink, the summers running about in the surrounding pits, dumps and woods. This is my childhood. Independence, being the boss, in control and in charge of doing mischievous deeds, being liked, outdoor adventure, the wind blowing in my hair with the stars bright overhead, riding in our convertible — that’s my bag.” 

For many years, it was just Mike and his dad. Mike once wrote, “He needed me and I him as I plodded through high school…things pretty much my way, and I was a bit spoiled (the convertible).” He was also dearly loved by his mom’s sister, Aunt Sadie, who helped fill his world with care and kindness. Mike graduated from Chisholm High School in 1958 and ran with the “Bachelor Gang,” with his main job being the wheels. He cherished his lifelong friendships with his CHS classmates. 

Mike’s dad believed a good Catholic, all-male college would be just the thing, so Mike attended and graduated from the College of St. Thomas. He later enlisted in the U.S. Air National Guard as a crash rescue specialist, which kept him stateside during the Vietnam era. After college, Mike worked for the H.J. Heinz Company — a job his dad thought was fitting, given the impressive amount of ketchup Mike consumed over the years. His Heinz career took him to Minneapolis, Duluth, Indiana, and Illinois. 

Eventually, Mike settled in Minneapolis and married Jo — a story he loved to share, especially the part about her having been a nun, and how he nearly derailed it all by forgetting the marriage license. Shortly after their first son, Kelly, was born, Mike decided it was time to head back to the Iron Range. He famously told Jo she had a “choice between a bus ticket to North Dakota or moving within two blocks of my dad.” She chose Chisholm. Together, Mike and Jo raised three children: Kelly, Brian, and Erin. 

Mike spent 25 years teaching business and marketing at Hibbing Technical College and co-owned the Hardware Hank in Hibbing. Family time was important to Mike, especially summers spent at their island on Big Sandy Lake. 

Calling himself a “born-again Boy Scout,” Mike dedicated countless hours to Scouting, serving in many roles locally and with the Voyageur Area Council. In 1980, he co- founded the Paulucci Planetarium. Both ventures showed just how much he enjoyed teaching, exploring, and giving back. 

In 1990, Mike received a letter that would change his life — from his biological brother, Tom Benton, who had also been adopted. The two met and discovered they had lived just 40 miles apart their entire lives. They shared many similarities and became close friends. Later, they met their sister Joan, and the three siblings found a place in one another’s lives. 

Mike and Jo retired to their home on Beauty Lake, a place Mike took great pride in — especially the old-growth forest. He loved watching his kids and grandkids enjoy the sledding hill, the lake, and the woods. After Jo passed away in 2006, Mike was fortunate to meet a special friend, Pat Gargano, who became a treasured part of his life and family. 

In retirement, Mike found a special purpose through his therapy dogs, Dudley and Meiah, bringing comfort and smiles to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and the Range Center. Together, they made more than 1,900 visits. It was a role that fit him perfectly — outgoing, playful, and full of purpose. 

Mike is survived by his beloved Bernedoodles, Angel and Chum; son Kelly (Maria) and their children Reilly, Declan, and Liam; son Brian (Shelley) and their children Sawyer, Parker, and Sadie; daughter Erin (Vance) Johnson and their children Gavin and Josie; sister-in-law Tam Benton and niece Kim; sister Joan; and special friend Pat, along with her daughter Chris (Rick) Smith and grandchildren Carter and Isabelle. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Jo, his brother Tom, and his cherished Goldendoodles, Dudley and Meiah. Mike will be remembered for his stories, his playful humor, his love of the outdoors, his loyalty to family and friends, and the warm, generous spirit he showed to all — two legs or four. 

Mike's Celebration of Life will be Monday, December 29th at the Paulucci Space Theater in Hibbing. An open house gathering of friends and family will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 PM in the lobby. This will be followed at 6:30 PM by a presentation and time for shared memories in the theater. 

We kindly ask for no flowers or plants. Your presence means everything. Any monetary gifts will be directed to the planetarium.