William Suder

William (“Bill”) Suder age 87, passed away peacefully in his home under Hospice care on Monday, January 30, 2023 after living with Lewey Body Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and glaucoma induced blindness for the past eleven years. Bill was born on September 9, 1935 to Arthur and Mildred Suder. He was a life-long Toledo resident attending St. Catherine’s grade school and Central Catholic High School. He was known to be quite the jokester/comedian in school and shared many stories of how he and his buddies strategically drove the nuns crazy. After high school, Bill joined the family business as a 4th generation florist at Suder the Florist, the first flower shop in the Toledo area, established in 1870. Bill also proudly served our country as a Seargent in the Army and National Guard. After the sale of Suder the Florist in 1988, Bill began a new career working as a courier/supervisor for Pathology Laboratories until his retirement in 2006. Throughout his work career, he excelled in his abilities and performance, especially in being able to fix just about anything and his freakishly keen sense of direction, but more importantly, his gift of being able to connect with people.

In 1960, Bill married the love of his life, Joanna (Thomas). They loved being together, attending church events, going on long rides in the car, working side-by side managing Westgate Residential Suites for over 20 years, attending grand kid’s sporting and theatrical events and traveling. Colorado, Massachusetts, and especially Traverse City, were their favorites. Together they raised three children, providing them with the most loving home. They instilled and modeled the importance of doing the right thing, honesty, working hard and the love of Jesus. Bill shared the love of Jesus with so many people and lived out his Catholic faith until his last days.

Bill was an active member of St. Patrick of Heatherdowns where he taught religious education, sang in the folk group, was a sponsor in the RCIA program, facilitator of the CARE retreat program, evangelizer, Eucharist Minister and coach for numerous sports. Over the past 11 years, when so much had been taken away from him physically, the one thing that brought him complete joy was attending the 5:00 mass. He loved the music and interacting with the priests, deacons, and fellow parishioners. Thanks to his pastor, Fr. Mark Davis, he was able to have several masses at home when he became bedridden for the last 16 months of his life.

Bill fought the good fight and never complained. He was our hero until the end!

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mildred Suder. He is survived by his sisters, Carol (Bill) Koester of Indiana, Susan (Craig) Okino of Hawaii, loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Joanna (Thomas), children, Shelley (Kevin) Coulter, Tom (Laura) Suder, Margie (Larry) Hunter, 11 grandchildren: Josh, Colleen, Jessica (Heath), Michael, Missa (Ryan), Jake, Emily (Aaron), Meghan, Catherine, Annie and Jenna. Great grandchildren: Skylar, Olivia, Cameron, Carson, Myla and another blessing due in May 2023, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 2-8 p.m. at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, Conant Street, Maumee with a scripture service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will begin Friday February 3, 2023 at 9:15 am in the funeral home followed by the funeral mass at 10 am in St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Bill’s loving and skilled caregivers who allowed him to remain at home throughout his illness, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially his nurse, Katie, Fr. Mark Davis and to all who have provided so much love and support.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Parish or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.