Tribute: Minnesota Law Mourns the Passing of Michael P. Sullivan ’62

Michael P. Sullivan ’62, passed away on November 20, at age 89. He was a 1962 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and practiced law for 25 years at the Minneapolis-based firm, Gray Plant Mooty. Sullivan served as Hennepin County Bar Association president from 1976 to 1980. During his time at the law firm, Sullivan did legal work in the franchise practice area, including with International Dairy Queen. He subsequently held the position of vice chairman of the Dairy Queen board of directors, and then went on to become CEO of Dairy Queen, a position he held from 1987 to 2001. During his tenure, the company was acquired and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

In the nonprofit sector, Sullivan was known for serving on the boards of the St. Paul Seminary, the Greater Minneapolis YMCA, and the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis. He also belonged to the National Conference of Commissioners of Uniform State Laws and served on the board of the American Arbitration Association. In 2005, he joined the University of St. Thomas College of Business to head its Center for Family Enterprise as an Opus distinguished chair. He was an active Minnesota Law alumnus, attended many Law School events, and was a member of the Lockhart Club. A seminar classroom is named after him and his wife due to their level of engagement and generosity.

Sullivan is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of 60 years, as well as six children, 19 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.