Service Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:00 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9:00 – 10:00 am.
Memorial Suggestions
In memory of Tom, memorials to St. Catherine’s High School or St. Lucy Catholic Church have been suggested.
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Lac du Flambeau (formerly of Racine)-Thomas Michael Suchla, age 60, passed away unexpectedly, as the result of a valiant 12-day battle with Acute Monocytic Leukemia, at Froedtert Hospital on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 surrounded with the love of his family.
Tom was born in Racine on April 17, 1963 to Germane and Catherine (nee: Speltz) Suchla. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1981, and went on to earn a mechanical engineering degree from Marquette University in 1986. He became a licensed Professional Engineer in 1992.
On June 21, 1986 in St Casimir Catholic Church, Tom was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Ann Marie (nee: Willis).
With a profound work ethic, Tom was a Managing Member of Southport Engineered Systems, an HVAC & Plumbing contractor in Caledonia, Madison and Wausau. He was a longtime member of St Lucy Catholic Church where he was forever lending a helping hand, including on the finance committee. He also served on the St Catherines High School Foundation Board, as President of the local ASHRAE chapter, and President of the Kenosha Komets Hockey Organization, just to name a few. In 2020 he was inducted into the St Catherines High School Alumni Hall of Fame for excellence in business.
Tom enjoyed playing golf, playing the piano, traveling with his family, and fishing, especially with his buddies Steve and Brion. Tom loved to fly and became a private pilot with a multi engine rating. He was excited about obtaining his commercial license. He also loved the sport of hockey, especially watching his 3 sons play. He even coached 2 of their state winning teams. Tom was a go-getter, and he would always rise to the occasion when called upon. More importantly, he had a knack for doing the right thing, a quality he was admired for. His intelligence and wisdom drew many to him for advice, both professionally and personally.
Tom’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He loved to host and was incredibly generous opening his home on Fence Lake to all those he loved. Everyone looked forward to the meals that he would create. Cooking was another one of his many talents and passions, and any one of his guests would agree he had perfected the art of grilling.
Surviving is his loving wife of over 37 years, Ann; their children, Patrick (fiancé Monica Kampfl) Suchla, Anthony (Brittany) Suchla, Joseph (fiancé, Elyse Janikian) Suchla, and Emma Suchla; father Germane Suchla; sisters, Mary (Bill) Werbaneth and Anne (Tim) Jordan; brother, John (Lori) Suchla; brother-in-law, David (Nancy) Willis; sisters-in-law, Cathy (Jeff) Wenzel and Carolyn (Michael) Lee; nieces, nephews, others relatives, work family and friends-too numerous to mention all by name.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:00 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9:00 – 10:00 am. In memory of Tom, memorials to St. Catherine’s High School or St. Lucy Catholic Church have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire team at Froedtert Hospital, especially Dr. Joshua Medow, for the compassionate care and support given in Tom’s time of need….and for doing everything in their power to save our beloved Tom. May God bless all of you!
Connie, Bill, Nico & Dominic Gullo says
Ann, Patrick, Tony, Emma, Joe, Germaine, Carolyne & family. Our family was devastated to hear of Tom’s passing. He left a legacy that you all must be so proud of and will forever cherish. We are so sorry that you have to endure this huge loss and would do anything to take away your sadness. Our deepest and most sincere condolences.
Sue Schaefer Jahnke says
Ann and family and Germaine, siblings Mary , John and Ann and families ( I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone) our hearts breaks for you all. Paul and I will keep you all in our prayers in the days and weeks to come. So many cherished memories of growing up as neighbors in Geraughty Estates-
Mike Kate Madalyn Molly and Nick Venturini says
We are so sad at this tragic news-it doesn’t seem real. We have the entire Suchla family in our prayers. We have so many great memories of Tom -he was a gift to his community, neighborhood and he loved his family beyond measure. God rest his soul
Chris DeMeulenaere says
I just heard the news about Tom and am sending the biggest hugs and love from the entire DeMeulenaere family to the entire Willis-Suchla families, and all who knew him, including his SouthPort Crew. In my eyes, Tom was always larger than life, being an exceptional Husband, Father and Community Leader/Businessman, always helping everyone he knew. He will be dearly missed and we send our deepest condolences. Tom was my best childhood friend and although our paths as adults have moved different directions, I will always consider him my best friend growing up, a connection that lasts a lifetime. He adored you since high school and the two of you have raised a beautiful and loving family- you are so blessed in so many ways! I’m eternally grateful having spent time with you and Tom at the Geraghty Estates get-together at Roma Lodge just a few weeks ago, not knowing it would be the last time I would get to see him. Love and prayers to you all from the entire DeMeulenaere Family!
Charles & Alice Frahm says
Dear Germane & Family,
We are so terribly saddened for you in the loss of your son, Tom. Our prayers that our Lord will keep you in his are during these difficult times. None of us understand why we suffer the losses we do. May your faith give you strength. You are in our prayers.
Karen Halter-Wood says
My sincere condolences and prayers for your family … Tom always had that beautiful smile and caring heart ..I will always hold memories close to my heart of singing in choir and angel arrangement with him … and sharing time at the piano accompaniment… you were so talented! God be with your families during your time of sorrow
Carol Horak says
So sorry for your loss. Ann, you and your family will be in my prayers.
Frank Romano says
Ann and family,
Lynn and I send our love and condolences to all of you during these very difficult times. The memories that you’ve made throughout the years will hopefully ease some of the pain as you look back on the cherished times together..
Christine A. Kies says
Tom was such an amazing man! Always smiling & lending a helping hand to those in need. I was fortunate to share many classes with Tom, and Angel Arrangement as well. His enthusiasm and warm spirit were truly inspirational. May God bless and keep him always and provide comfort to his wonderful family. BIG hugs Tom ❤️
Craig Savage, CFO Siena Catholic Schools says
My deepest condolences to the Family.
Carmen Gebhardt-Bertelsen says
To an amazing man! Rest in peace sweet Tom.
Karla Walsh (Speltz) says
I am one of Tom’s 35 first cousins on his mothers side. Tom was born three months before me and his mom Kate was my Godmother. I have many fond memories of Speltz gatherings with Tom and his family. I remember when we were younger how Aunt Kate would coax Tom to play the piano for us. His intelligence and skill was obvious at the keys. It’s not surprising that Tom was an amazingly successful and generous businessman in a demanding and highly technical profession. Tom and Ann were extraordinarily warm and welcoming family members and Tom was an admired leader in the entire extended Speltz family. Our sincerest sympathies to Uncle Germaine, Tom’s wife Ann, their kids Patrick, Tony, Joe and Emma and Tom’s siblings – Mary, John and Anne. Tom will be lovingly and proudly remembered by all of us. Love, Karla and Jim Walsh
Jane and Christopher Olley says
We are so sorry to hear this tragic news. All our love and prayers to the entire family! Tom was always so nice and welcoming ! He was larger than life! Christopher spoke so highly of him all the time!!! We will keep your entire family close in prayer during this difficult time!
Liz Schoone & Dave Schlabowske says
Dearest Suchla family, How absolutely devastating for you… all the feels as you process and navigate your individual and communal grief. Tom was always such a jovial, humorous and kind guy; I will treasure my memories of him as my high school best friend’s brother (who ends up being like a brother.) Thinking of you all with care and compassion, Liz & Dave
Dan & Gaby McTernan says
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Suchla family. The thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has known him.
Pat Wingo says
Ann & Family,
I will miss Tom so much. Tom was always a pleasure to fish with. We had many great conversations in the boat and he always spoke of his family with great pride and love. I will think of him often and remember him always.
Love to your Family
Pat
Michelle Mucha-Russell says
I knew Tom in High School. He always had a kind word and a warm smile. My sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Matt and Sharon Koleske says
To Ann, Germaine, immediate and extended family,
We send our prayers and condolences at this most difficult time. You have such a beautiful family, and Tom must have been so very proud. It is unfortunate we moved away from the area and I’ve only see you guys a few times in recent years. I have many, many wonderful memories with Tom. They start in the fourth grade at St. Rits’s, and carry on through St. Cats. What fun we had! He will be greatly missed by everyone.
Diane Furey Cawley says
Ann and family,
I am so sorry to hear the news about Tom. He truly always was one of a kind. In chorus whenever he had the opportunity he was on the piano. He was so talented and you could see how much he loved to play. I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Tom was a great guy we are truly sorry and saddened for your loss Our deepest sympathy Tom and Meganne Pierson says
Tom was a great guy we are truly sorry and saddened for your loss