Robert Sullentrup Obituary

I was pleased to have met Robert Henry Sullentrup in 1997 in Seattle when my wife, Diane, and I visited. He was 77 at the time. I was 45.

When teaching a Microsoft class in Marissa, Illinois, some of the students entered info from my business card into Lycos.com. They found three Robert Sullentrups. One was my dad in St. Clair, MO who had died May 3, 1996. One was Robert William Sullentrup, Jr. (me) in St. Charles, MO. Another was a Robert Sullentrup in Renton, WA.

Since my wife and I were about to take a trip to Seattle (in second grade, I was fascinated with an article in 'My Weekly Reader' about the building of the Space Needle, so the first free SW Air ticket I ever got had to be spent on a trip to Seattle), I made plans to pay a visit to my namesake. I learned, among many other things, he welded in -50 degree weather on the Alaskan Oil Pipeline.

Sure enough, we were related. How could it be otherwise with unusual names like Sullentrup? Lycos.com provided the engine of Sullentrup family picnics that generated names, then more names and then more names. When we did queries and invited people to the family picnics, folks would write back telling us about other branches of the family. Turns out, we are related to Sulltrops (my great-great grandfather owned a mill in Washington, MO, and got tired of writing Sullentrup on receipts, so he shortened it to Sulltrop). We are also related to Suellentrops who settled around Wichita after coming to America and after visiting relatives in Missouri. Sullentrup and Suellentrop differ by the handling of an umlaut (first U) and poor penmanship (last U) in New Orleans (not Ellis Island).

I'm sorry to hear of Robert Henry's passing, but 92 years matches that of my boyhood idol, Stan Musial, and is doubtful a mark I'll be able to achieve. My heartfelt condolences.

Robert, you will be missed by many including myself whom you call "wheat farmer". Reva you are an amazing women, you fought the battle with your dad and did an above excellent job. My heart goes out to you and your family. God Bless.

Bob, I have known you and Lucille my entire life and you are both very special to me. I have great memories from the very beginning on the farm in Idaho to all the times I visited my folks in Kent. Give Lucy a hug for me. You will be missed.
Cheryl (Boatman) Vasquez

Uncle Bob, we always had a wonderful time when in Seattle & you driving us various routes depending on time of day. Such a great person, never a boring time with Bob & Luceile. We feel the loss with Steve & Reva but know it was time for a better place. Thanks again for the memories. Quentin & Donna

Uncle Bob, we wish so much that we weren't living so far away these past several years as we missed you terribly. We have such fond memories. It is always strange to lose someone who has been such a fixture in our lives over so many years. Francisco and I were so proud to have you and Aunt Lucille as Sara's godparents and every family gathering that included you was always more fun and lively! God bless you and we wish for a speedy reunion with your beautiful bride.

Bob was such a lovely man and more than just a neighbor to us he more like a father and grandfather to our children Suzy and Tim over the twenty six years we lived across the street from each other. He will be missed. Pat and Dick Hybak

Dad, It has been quite a ride through 2012 and beyond. I will always remember your smiling face even in the most difficult times. I love you and know that you are now out of pain and at peace. Give mom a really big kiss and hug for me! I miss you both so much.
Love forever - Reva Ann