Stanley Suterko

SUTERKO, Stanley "Dave"
Of Portage, Michigan Our dear husband and father, Stan known to many as Dave passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2008. He was born December 30, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Anthony and Valerya Tomczyk Suterko. Stan graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Education and earned a Masters Degree from WMU. He served as a LTJG in the US Navy during WWII on a sub-chaser in the Pacific Region. On November 25, 1948 he was wed to his beloved wife Wanda Barabas who survives. He began his career at Hines V.A. Hospital, Hines, IL where he helped establish the first Orientation and Mobility program for blinded veterans. He came to WMU in 1961 to aid in the establishment of the Blind Rehabilitation Department. He had a distinguished teaching career as he taught in England, Poland, Australia, France, and many places in the United States. He received the highest honors of his profession culminating with his induction into The Hall of Fame for Leaders and Legends of the Blindness Field in 2002. Stan was often referred to as "St. Peter of Mobility". He retired from WMU in 1984 as Professor Emeritus. Stan was a Charter Member of St. Catherine of Siena Church. Also surviving him are his three daughters and sons-in-law: Sandra Gordon Plourde, Williamston, MI, Diane Richard Konwinski, Portage, MI, Catherine Robert Sigler, Saline, MI; seven grandchildren: Justin and Scott Plourde, Nicole Chad Elliott, Ryan and Kyle Konwinski, Lauren and John Sigler; one great granddaughter: Cassady Plourde; brothers-in-law: Jack Susarrey and Chester Marion Barabas; sisters-in-law: Ann Walsh and Lorraine Pasowicz; many nieces, nephews, and special friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Anthony. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 13 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Monday at St. Catherine of Siena Church 1150 W. Centre St., Portage, MI. with Father Kevin Covert presiding. Memorial Luncheon will be served following the mass. A burial with full military honors will take place 11:00 AM Tuesday at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Memorials may be sent to St. Catherine of Siena Church Endowment Fund or the Michigan Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired. 343-1508 www.langelands.com