Obit: Suda, Laurence #2 (1932 - 2015)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

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

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 3/18/2015

Suda, Laurence (11 August 1932 - 8 March 2015) With Flag

Laurence Suda, age 82, of 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, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Greenwood, WI, with Fr. Steve Brice officiating. 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 August 11, 1932, in the Town of Reseburg, rural Greenwood, to Vandy and Mary (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 was united in marriage on June 21, 1955, to Gertrude R. Tomkowiak at St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp, WI, by Fr. Francis Piekarski. Laurence entered into the service in 1956 and received an honorable discharge from the Army reserve in 1962. Laurence and Gertie farmed near Greenwood, WI until they retired in 1997.

He loved his farm, cows, and crops and most importantly, he loved his wife and his family. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, woodworking, 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, of Greenwood; four children: Douglas (Kim) Suda of Success, MO, Donnelle (Larry) Hodnett of Chippewa Falls, WI, Joel (Shari) Suda of Greenwood, WI, Glenn (Brandi) Suda of Flagstaff, AZ; 10 grandchildren: Jacob Bolden of Success, Mo, Adam Suda of Success, MO, Aaron (Jessica) Hodnett and heather Hodnett (Mark Olejnichak), both of Chippewa Falls, WI, Kaity Suda (Brettain Johnson) of Menomonie, WI, Cassie Suda (Mitchell Erickson) of Neillsville, WI, Derek Suda of Greenwood, WI, Taylor Ethan and Ellie Suda of Flagstaff, AZ; two great-grandchildren: two brothers: Jim (Joanne) Suda and George (Bridgett) Suda, both of Gurnee, IL; sister-in-law, Elaine Suda of Zephyrhills, FL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Cuddie Funeral Home of Greenwood is assisting the family with arrangements.