Dr. Samuel J. Sullivan, 82, of Dubuque passed away Monday May 4,2026 due to complications from a stroke.  Sam died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in prayer.

Visitation for Dr. Sam will be held from 4 to 7pm, Tuesday, May 12th at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday May 13th at 10:30 am at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque.

Dr. Sam (Doc) was born on January 13, 1944, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Leo & Margaret (Fortmann) Sullivan.  Sam graduated from Senior High School and continued his education at National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, Illinois and graduated in Chiropractic in 1967.  He later received a diplomat from the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists. Dr. Sam was a Chiropractor and caregiver in Dubuque for the past 59 years and he was in practice with his son, Dr. Jim for 36 years.

Sam was married to his high school sweetheart Lavonne Lorraine Pfohl at St Mary’s Church in Dubuque on November 26, 1964 and they were married for 62 years.  Sam was a devoted father and grandfather to 4 children and 14 grandchildren. They were his pride and joy! Their favorite times were spent together at the family’s cottage on the Mississippi with “Grandpa Sam” hosting his famous fish fries for family and friends. Summer evenings were spent by the campfire sharing stories and Grandpa Sam’s famous jokes.  Sam and Lavonne also enjoyed their travels.

Sam was a past member of Thunder Hills Country Club and is a current member of the 660 Dubuque Shooting Society. When he wasn’t with his family, he enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing cards with his buddies.

Sam is survived by his wife Lavonne, of Dubuque, Iowa, his four children, Dr. Jim (Anita) Sullivan of Dubuque, IA, Darla (J.D.) Sullivan-White of Dallas, Texas, Dr. Sandra Sullivan of Dallas, Texas, Mark (Agi) Sullivan of Madison, Wisconsin.  Fourteen grandchildren, Patrick (Sofia) Sullivan, Alex Sullivan, Christopher (Katherine) Sullivan, Peter (Mikayla) Sullivan, Joseph Sullivan, Maggie Sullivan, Logan White, Sophia White, Sam Sullivan White, Lucas White, Isabella Sullivan, Carynne Sullivan, Nolan Sullivan, & Abigail Sullivan.  He is also survived by siblings Gene Sullivan and Ginger Bower.

He is preceded in death by his siblings Joyce, Suzanne, Mickey, John L., Judy, and Sandy.

In lieu of flowers a Dr. Sam Sullivan Memorial Fund has been established.