Russell Sullivan

With heavy hearts, we grieve the sudden loss of Russell Kim Sullivan who left us on April 11th, 2026, at the age of 71.

Russell lived his entire life in Brainerd, graduating from high school in 1974. He had many hobbies through his years including fishing, hunting, drag racing, martial arts, and motorcycles. He also enjoyed a competitive game of cards, a beer around the pool table, 4-wheeler rides, chopping wood, tinkering, and a good western.

Russell started his career as a porter at Holiday Inn. His favorite story was that he got to drive Paul Newman through town. He spent 29 years working as the “Candyman” at Johnson’s Candy and Tobacco. The following 9 years he worked in sales with Rohlfings. COVID brought on the unexpected role of “Papa – the homeschool teacher”. And finally at the age of 67 he retired from Compass Delivery Service.

Russell embraced retirement life with vigor. He and Linda traveled often and spent an abundant amount of time with friends and family. The highlights of his travels included deep sea fishing, parasailing, and flying in a float plan. Many of us smile at the memory of his playful catch phrase, “bubble-bubble, no more trouble” and his notorious ride in “the little red wagon”.

Russell’s last days were spent in good health surrounded by people who were important to him. He is survived by his wife Linda Sullivan; children: Jeromey Sullivan, Trish (David) Dollinger, Elizabeth (Dustin) Bleess, Katherine (Matt McCormick) Richardson, Christopher (Kendra) Sullivan; grandchildren: Micah, Stormie, Uriel, William, and Dominick; siblings: Deb (Gary) Smude & Darla (Steve) Fleischhacker and many friends who became family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday April 23, 2026 at 11:00am at the Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home in Brainerd. There will be a visitation held one hour prior to the start of the service at the funeral home. A small luncheon to celebrate Russell’s life will be available in the gathering room.