Elden Martin Suokko

Kenosha – Elden Suokko was taken to our Lord on the wings of his angel on Friday, November 16, 2012. He was born on January 1^st, 1921 to Waino and Lillian (Maki) Suokko.  He spent his childhood in Ironwood, MI, graduating from local schools.  

He served the United States Army from October 1942 until December, 1945 in France and central Europe as a Communications Officer in the Field Artillery division.  He received the Victory Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, European/African/Middle Eastern Theatre ribbon with four bronze battle stars, three overseas service bars and a good conduct medal.

He was educated in Advance Administration at Ole’ Mississippi University & at Gogebic College.  He married Ada Carli in Ironwood on May 31, 1947.  His family resided in Ironwood, MI, & Ashland, WI, until they moved to Kenosha in 1959. He was employed as a purchasing agent at Huber Glass Company.  When they were acquired, in 1969, by T.C. Esser Paint & Wallpaper Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee, WI, he became their chief purchasing agent until retirement.

He loved music, to read, dance, & socialize.  He was a gentle soul and a great listener.  He belonged to various clubs and organizations throughout his life.  He was a firm believer in education and was a past supporter of Northland College in Ashland, WI.   He received great pleasure in following the PGA careers of his nephews and grandson and enjoyed listening to the family’s golf stories.  He loved to travel, especially to Italy and Finland to see relatives.  The trips he treasured the most were the annual vacations with his children and their families in Florida.

He was a devoted family man to the children who survive him, son, Darel (Susan) Suokko, their children & grandchildren, Steven (Mari) Suokko (children, Joseph, Michael and baby Allison) and Kimberly (Lamar Howard) Smith (children, Amanda, Haley and Matthew);  son, Ronald (Rose) Suokko, their son Douglas; son, Gary (Janet) Suokko, their daughters Bailey and Mari K;  daughter, Lynn (Dan Scheve) Suokko-Scheve, their sons Nathan (Tina) and Ryan Scheve.

He is also survived by sister in law, Elizabeth Tiziani; nieces, Mary Tiziani,  Joanne Blake,  Waina (Al) Schofer , Rhea Allerd-McGee, all of Michigan,  Donna (Dennis) Frye (Charleston, S.C.); nephews, Dennis (Bobbie) Tiziani, Larry (Sandy) Tiziani of Madison, Dale (Shirley) Carli of Ashland;  cousins, William (Karen) Maki of Washburn, WI,  Deloris  Swanson of Michigan; and special cousin, Ruth (Wes) Riutta of Kenosha.

In addition to his parents, Elden was preceded in death by his best friend and wife, Ada Suokko, on July 1, 1994; granddaughter, Patricia Suokko; siblings, Edith (Al) Regan, & Lila ( Lloyd)  Werner, Duane Suokko; and in-laws Caesar Tiziani  &  John and Kay Carli.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 11 am, at St. Peter Parish, 2224 30^th Avenue, Kenosha, with Rev. Ireneusz Chodakowski officiating.  Visitation will be held on Monday, November 19, 2012, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, Racine, from 4 until 7:30 pm, with a rosary service at 7:30 pm.  Visitation will resume in St. Peter Parish on Tuesday from 10am until the time of the service.  Entombment will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

To the world you may have just been somebody, but to all of us you were the world.

Our Family would like to express a heartfelt “Thank You” to: Wheaton Franciscan Hospice & their above & beyond care, especially Krissy, Shelly & Kathy; Dr. Pudzicz and his wonderful staff at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Center; St. Peter’s Parish: Fr. Ireneusz, Fr. Angelo, Deacon Terry Maack, Joanne Campagna, Bonnie and her shawl makers, all who prayed for our father; the  friends of Elden & our family  for their love, support and prayers; Audrey Cassiani; Advocare Medical and their wonderful delivery personnel.