Dennis Duane Sullivan, age 80, of Boulder, Montana, passed away peacefully at his home on November 16th, 2024, with his loving wife, Cora, by his side.
Dennis was born on July 5th, 1944, in Bremerton, Washington, to Emmett and Dorothy (Lee) Sullivan. He grew up in Butte, Montana, before joining the U.S. Navy and serving in the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968. After his service, Dennis pursued an associate’s degree in engineering and worked in various roles throughout his life. He held jobs at the Montana Developmental Center, served as an equipment technician at the Civic Center in Butte, worked at the Berkeley Pit, and built many houses, roofs, and garages in Boulder, MT.
Dennis went on to become the Chief of Police in Boulder for 20 years, where he earned the respect and admiration of the community he served. A social and loving man, Dennis’s favorite thing to do was spending time with family, friends, and neighbors often buying a round for his friends when stopping by the local pub. His pastimes included hunting, fishing, and working with his Harley. Dennis was also an avid bowler. He played in a league for many years. His team bowled hard and had a lot of fun. They were members of the USBC and traveled to Reno to play in the tournaments for many, many years, even winning as League Champion in 2005-2006.
On September 26th, 2021, Dennis married Cora Helm Sullivan in Las Vegas, and the two shared many happy years together. Including many great adventures such as attending an Andrea Bocelli concert in Arizona, taking an Alaskan cruise and their annual trips to Las Vegas.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Terri; his son, Jason; his brother, Jim; and his sister, Patricia.
He is survived by his wife, Cora Helm Sullivan; his son, Shannon Sullivan; his daughter, Sheila Milholland (Gordon); his brother, Jerry (Mary Francis) Sullivan; his sisters, Chris (Greg) James and Michelle (Cody)Wood; grandchildren, Ashley, Lily and Brenna Sullivan, Blake(Jessi) and Brett (Samantha) Milholland and Jered, Jeyden, Jeyce, and Jesten Sullivan (Katie Watts); great-granddaughter, Abigail Sullivan; and Isla Milholland along with numerous nieces and nephews with whom he had great relationships.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Animal Shelter and Care of Jefferson County in honor of Dennis.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, December 6th at the Boulder City Cemetery in Boulder, MT, immediately followed by a reception at Dave’s 32oz Bar, Grill and Bowling, 115 N Main St., in Boulder, MT.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or a memory of Dennis.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Dennis and his family.
Becky Warner says
Dennis was the best Chief of Police I ever worked with. He was an incredible person. I have so many fun memories of working with him. He was such a caring individual, especially about animals. I’ll never forget when an elderly lady’s pet bird got outside, he had me call out every off-duty officer to help catch it. He told me a lot of stories about his younger days, working on a dairy farm in Elk Park, and his time in the Navy. My sympathy to Shannon and the rest of the family.
Charlene Warren says
Chris – I am so very sorry to read of your brothers passing 💔
Charlene Conniston Warren
Steve McCall says
I remember ice fishing at Georgetown with Dennis, he was such a fun person to do things with.
I’ve also witnessed Dennis de escalate a couple of very volatile situations. A very good man Dennis was.
He taught my youngest son how to build a deck and also a large garage. R.I.P. buddy.
Janice Clark Muniz says
My thoughts and prayers to Chris & Greg James and all the Sullivan family. may his memories hold dear in your hearts. (((hugs))))
Janice Clark Muniz
Jenny Rafferty says
Cora & all of Dennis’s Family,
Please know that my Sincerest Condolences are with each of you.
Dennis was such a nice man and will be missed by many🙏
Stephanie Conrady Senn says
Cora and family,
I’m so saddened by our loss of Dennis. His legacy and soul will continue. I Have been his barber for almost 30 years, and we shared lots of laughter and stories. His most important words were of love for his family. May you all find comfort and healing through his love he had for you all. God bless
Stephanie