Frederick "Fred" Eugene Sullivan, 69, of Waterloo, IA, died Friday, February 3, 2023, at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital in Waterloo. He was born in Waterloo on January 12, 1954, the son of Edward and Margie Ellsworth Sullivan. Fred graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1972 and furthered his education at Hawkeye Technical Institute in auto mechanics. He began his working career with Bill Colwell Ford in Waterloo before going to California in his thirties. While in California, Fred discovered his talent for drywall finishing.

During high school Fred played basketball for East High School. At 6'11" he towered over his teammates and opponents. He worked on a construction project near Independence for the TV show Extreme Makeover. In Waterloo, Fred worked for Maxim Construction and Hudson Construction, and had a knack for applying just the right amount of drywall mud with a finished product that had no holes and no air bubbles.

Fred is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Derek) Smith of Bronson, IA; son, Gabriel Sullivan of Waterloo; four grandchildren, Tyler Smith, Ethan Baker, Rilee Smith and Reagan Baker; brothers, Bill Sullivan and Mike (Sandy) Sullivan, both of Waterloo; and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Ben Sullivan.

A memorial service for Fred will be Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Locke on 4th, 1519 West 4th Street, Waterloo, beginning at 6 PM. Memorials should be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.LockeFuneralServices.com.