Obit: Suda, Laurence (1932 – 2015)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Suda, Brice, Celesnik, Hodnett, Bolden, Olejnichak, Johnson, Erickson, Zepher, Berndt

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 18 Mar 2015

Suda, Laurence (11 AUG 1932 – 8 MAR 2015)

Laurence Suda, 82, Greenwood, died on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, March 20, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Greenwood. Rev. Steve Brice will officiate. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church, on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Laurence Suda was born on Aug. 11, 1932, in the town of Reseburg, rural Greenwood, to Vandy and Mary (nee Celesnik) Suda. He was raised in the town of Reseburg where his family, along with Louie and Jenny Suda, co-owned and operated the Wildwood Cheese Factory until the time of sale. At that time, the family moved to a dairy farm in the town of Reseburg. Laurence received his education at Reseburg State Graded School. He worked on the family farm until 1952, at which time he started his own farm. Laurence married Gertrude R. Tomkowiak on June 21, 1955, at St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp, with Rev. Francis Piekarski presiding. Laurence entered the service in 1956 and received an honorable discharge from the Army Reserve in 1962. He and Gertie farmed near Greenwood until they retired in 1997. He loved his farm, cows, crops and most importantly, he loved his wife and his family. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, woodworking, and mowing his lawn (especially around his ponds). One of his greatest enjoyments was being able to go fishing. He would share his catches (smoked and pickled fish) with friends and neighbors. He loved gathering minnows from his ponds and making his own fishing lures, as they were his secret to catching so many fish, and using them in hopes of catching the big one. He enjoyed spending time at the house in Lake Holcombe with family and friends and sharing a toast of Leroux Blackberry Brandy with all. His love of fishing has been passed down to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed growing his own garden and sharing the fruits of his labor with family. His grandchildren always put a smile on his face.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gertrude Suda, Greenwood; four children, Douglas (Kim) Suda, Success, Mo., Donnelle (Larry) Hodnett, Chippewa Falls, Joel (Shari) Suda, Greenwood, and Glenn (Brandi) Suda, Flagstaff, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren, Jacob Bolden, Success, Mo., Adam Suda, Success, Mo., Aaron (Jessica) Hodnett and Heather (Mark Olejnichak) Hodnett, both of Chippewa Falls, Kaity (Brettain Johnson) Suda, Menomonie, Cassie (Mitchell Erickson) Suda, Neillsville, Derek Suda, Greenwood, and Taylor, Ethan and Ellie Suda, Flagstaff, Ariz.; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jim (Joanne) Suda, Gurnee, Ill., and George (Bridget) Suda, Gurnee, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Elaine Suda, Zepher Hills, Fla.; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ted Suda; two sisters, Sylvia, in infancy, and Diane (Bob) Berndt; one son, Loren; and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Memorial Fund.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.