Sullivan’s Appliance still open after sudden death of owner

    The community was shocked and saddened late last week upon learning of the death of Jim Leibbrandt, owner of Sullivan’s Appliance & Air in Holyoke.
    His wife, Martha Stoermer, reported Monday that operations continue at the appliance store, with employee Marshall Thompson and former partner Dave Williamson handling service calls.
    Leibbrandt, who turned 64 on Feb. 8, was diagnosed with liver cancer about two months ago, according to his wife. A week to 10 days before his death, he learned that the cancer had spread throughout his body.
    He was taken by ambulance to Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke late Thursday afternoon, Feb. 28, where he died Friday morning, March 1.
    Jim and Martha returned to the Holyoke area in 1996 to assist Jim’s father, George Leibbrandt, in his business, George’s Repair.
    Within a couple of years, Jim started working with Dave Williamson at Sullivan’s Appliance & Air, and they became partners in 1999. Jim became the sole owner three years ago when Williamson retired.
    In the midst of her grief, Stoermer is thankful that her husband didn’t suffer more. She is grateful to the MMH staff, to the community for the business support, as well as for the personal acts of kindness that she has been shown.
    A funeral service was scheduled for Wednesday morning, March 6, at Baucke Funeral Home, with interment at Holyoke Cemetery.