Joseph Louis Bullyan, age 97, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully in Hermantown on September 23, 2026, with his beloved wife, Nancy, and his children by his side.

Joe was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on March 15, 1929, to Marko Peter Bullyan and Mary Ann (Fister) Bullyan. From an early age, Joe possessed a strong work ethic, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a determination to build something of his own. Those qualities would shape a remarkable career and a life filled with family, friendships, adventure, and generosity.

Joe began his career as a used car salesman before opening his own business, Bullyan Used Cars, in West Duluth. In the 1960s, the business evolved into Bullyan Trailer Sales, where Joe began selling manufactured homes and campers. As the business continued to grow, Joe moved to Highway 53 in Hermantown, where he built Bullyan Mobile Homes and RV, along with a mobile home park adjacent to the sales lot.

In 2007, Joe expanded Bullyan RV, eventually growing it into one of the largest RV dealerships in Northern Minnesota. But Joe's entrepreneurial spirit reached far beyond the RV business. He also developed Birchwood Estates, Whisperwoods, and Arrowwood Acres on land he had purchased in Hermantown.

Joe was proud of his community and believed in giving back. He was an active member of the Skyline Rotary, where he was honored with the Paul Harris Award. He was also a member of the Minnesota Mobile Home Association, receiving multiple awards for his sales accomplishments, as well as the 242 Yacht Club.

Throughout his life, Joe was a generous supporter of many charitable and community organizations, including Bethany Children's Home, UDAC, and CHUM Open Door. His generosity and willingness to help others were important parts of the legacy he leaves behind.

Joe also had a deep love for the outdoors and for adventure. He enjoyed boating and fishing and took many memorable trips to Isle Royale, Canada, and South America. Yet, of all the places he traveled, perhaps none held a more special place in his heart than his summer home on Lake Vermilion. There, surrounded by family, friends, the water, and the beauty of northern Minnesota, Joe made some of his most treasured memories.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his six siblings; his daughter, Pam; his son, Butch; and his grandson, Ross Wagner.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Nancy Wagner and Cindy Kari; sons, Joe (Peggy) Bullyan and Richard (LuAnn) Bullyan; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Nylund, Shelly (Craig) Vanneste, John (Mary) Kari, Jodie Bullyan, Joey (Kari) Bullyan, Jamie (Manuel) Benito, Josh Bullyan, and Kelli Myers; 16 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Karen, RN, and the other Essentia Health Hospice nurses; Noelle, CNA; and the many caregivers who provided compassionate care to Joe, especially Emily and Hannah. Their kindness and dedication meant so much to Joe and his family.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Sunrise Memorial Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown, MN. Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe's memory to one of the organizations he cherished: Bethany Children's Home, UDAC, or CHUM Open Door.

Joe built a successful business, developed communities, traveled the world, and gave generously to causes he cared about. But above all, his greatest legacy will be the family he loved, the people he helped, and the many memories he created along the way.