"Bernice helped me to ride her bicycle on the sidewalk outside of the Covenant Church in Ironwood about 1943. I was 10 at the time. I always thought it was nice of her to do this."
In loving memory of
Bernice Sucha
October 18, 2011
Bernice Madeline Maria Sucha, 85, passed away Sept 25, 2011. She was born Nov 16, 1925 to the Rev. Axel and Frida Eklund in Chicago. The youngest of five children, Bernie began a lifelong love for lakes while at her family cottage on Big Lake, WI.
At 16, she graduated from high school in Ironwood, MI. Bernie then embarked on a college adventure she referred to as the happiest time of her life. Accompanied by a spirited attitude and several expulsions, she graduated from North Park Junior College (Chicago) and Winona State Teachers College.
On Sept 29, 1950 she married Bill Sucha. They honeymooned at the Deluxe Motel in Rochester, MN. During 59 years of marriage, they traveled throughout much of the US, England, and Scotland. They lived in Austin, MN, Denver, CO, Muskegon and Kalamazoo, MI and the last 31 years in Green Bay. Bernie and Bill had four children Jon, Julie, Jim, and Jordan.
Although most of her working life was spent teaching high school English, she also sold real estate in MI and worked as a secretary, mail clerk and waitress while putting herself through college. She was a substitute teacher in the Green Bay school system until age 80 and is past president of the Substitute Teacher's Union.
A two-time breast cancer survivor, Bernie reveled in learning and remained active in the Learning In Retirement at UWGB. An avid reader, she loved to paint, play the piano, work crosswords puzzles, watch Jeopardy, play golf and bridge, fish and write poetry. She relished The Student Prince and Les Miserables. She completed one mile of the Bellin Run in 2007 and in 2010. Bernie adored golden retrievers, growing blue ribbon flowers, and the Green Bay Packers. Her blog "Old?Who?Me?" has 669 followers and over 23,846 visitors.
Rowing her boat on Lily Lake brought her much peace, but she preferred speed. She never turned down a motorcycle ride or let up on her lead foot driving. This past May, she drove a speedboat at top speed down the middle of the lake.
Preceded in death by her husband, William D. Sucha, Bernice is survived by Jonathan Sucha (Frank Fredericks) Denver, CO, Julianne Anderson (Bob) Austin, TX, James Sucha, Green Bay, WI, Jordan Sucha (Lori) Sheboygan Falls, WI.
Bernie enjoyed great love from her grandchildren Jacob Anderson (Chelsea), Jordan Anderson, Ian Anderson, and little Miranda Sucha - who loves catsup and pickles just like her grandma.
Visitation will take place after 12:00 Noon on Friday, Sept, 30, at Grace Lutheran Church, 321 S. Madison St., where funeral services will take place at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Larry Lange officiating. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Download or view the memorial video by clicking here.