William “Bill” J Suchocki

Throughout his rich and rewarding life, William Suchocki was a man of great character, sound principle, and unending love for and devotion to his family.

During the vibrant and prosperous decade of the Roaring Twenties a young couple from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was delighted to welcome the birth of their son, William J., and their daughter, Esther, into their hearts and home on April 7, 1923. The twins were the youngest of four children born to their parents, Stanislaus (Walter) and Anna (Gazinski) Suchocki, and were raised in the family home at 2842 N. Pierce Street alongside their older brothers, Joseph and Theodore. Both of William’s parents were Polish immigrants who came to America in search of a better life.

As the prosperity of the 1920s gave way to the 1930s, the entire decade was cloaked in hardship due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. Few American families were immune to the trying times around them, and the Suchocki family was no different. Bill attended local schools through the 10th grade.

With the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was left with no choice but to declare war the very next day. Bill was one of the countless young men called to serve during this time of great need. Throughout much of his time in the Army he served in the Philippines.

Life was forever changed for Bill when he met the young girl who stole his heart. Her name was Joan Gora, and they met at a dance during the late 1940s. It was love at first sight, and a dating relationship ensued. After falling deeply in love the couple was married on September 30, 1950, at St. Hedwig Catholic Church.

Bill went to work as a meter tester for Wisconsin Gas Company. Together with his wife he was blessed with two sons, Robert and Stephen. To support his family Bill remained at the gas company for several years, and he later worked as a stocker during the night shift for Kohl’s Department Store.

Later in life Bill experienced both peaks and valleys along his life’s journey. It was with great joy that he welcomed his daughter-in-law, Kathy, into the family with open arms and loved her like a daughter. Bill endured times of deep sorrow with the death of his wife in 2004 after more than 50 years of marriage. Hard days again followed the unexpected death of his son, Steve, in 2006. Life came full circle for Bill when he became a grandfather to his grandson, Christopher, who was his greatest source of pride and joy. Throughout his life Bill supported his family in whatever way he could. In his leisure time he enjoyed watching football, dancing during his younger years, and playing cards.

With declining health and a failing memory Bill moved to River Hills West Health Care Center where he remained for the last few years of his life.

William Suchocki will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished.

William J. “Bill” Suchocki died on September 11, 2012. Bill’s family includes his son, Robert and daughter-in-law Kathy; grandson; Christopher; and other relatives and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; son, Stephen; parents; and siblings. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at Holy Cross Cemetery Chapel 7301 W. Nash Street Milwaukee, WI from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. The interment will follow with Military Honors at the graveside. Arrangements provided by Suminski LifeStory Funeral Homes, Suminski Weiss 414-276-5122. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.