Leonard (Len) John Suessmith age 97 of Clinton, Iowa passed away on September 11, 2024, at The Alverno in Clinton. A private family service will be held on Monday Sept. 16th at Oakland Cemetery, in Clinton. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com
Len was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on December 1, 1926, the son of Gottlieb Daniel and Louise Emma (Pappenfuss) Suessmith. He graduated from Winona High School. He served 4 years with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II on the USS Fergus attack transport. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa, the Occupation of Japan, and served 18 months in Saipan. After he completed his military service he obtained a pilot’s license under the GI Bill. He was employed by the Winona Flying Service and also operated as a crop duster in the Dakotas and Minnesota.
After the Flying Service relocated to central Wisconsin he joined the Chicago and North Western Railway in Winona as a carman welder. He was soon transferred to the Clinton car shops, where he married Judith (Judy) Linda Rogstad on October 16, 1965. He was employed by the Chicago and North Western Railway for a total of 38 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 190, and the National Association of Retired Veteran Railway Employees. Len and Judy enjoyed traveling, with overseas trips to Hawaii, Hong Kong, Holland, and Switzerland.
Len is survived by his wife Judy, his two sons Brad (Michelle) Suessmith of Austin, Texas and Michael (Lisa) Suessmith of Clinton, grandson Daniel (Alicia) Suessmith of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, granddaughter Bobbie Suessmith of Winona, Minnesota, granddaughter Erika Suessmith of Austin, granddaughter Paige Suessmith of DeWitt, Iowa, grandson Ryan Suessmith of Austin, grandson Michael Suessmith of Clinton, granddaughter Julia Suessmith of Clinton, great-grandson Cohen Suessmith of Trempealeau, great-grandson Grayson Suessmith of Trempealeau, great-granddaughter Willa Suessmith of Trempealeau, brother-in-law William Mercer of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by son Robert Suessmith of Winona, three brothers, and three sisters.
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Sorry for your loss Brad, and family. Tough to loose a parent. Grasp the good memories and hold on to them forever.
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for your family. I know words can’t take away your pain but I am praying that your wonderful memories ease it some.
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know him but I am truly inspired by all that he accomplished in his lifetime. What a great life story.
Blessings,
Marilynn Midura
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know him but I am truly inspired by all that he accomplished in his lifetime. What a great life story. Blessings,
Marilynn Midura
We are sorry to read about Leonard. We always enjoyed his company. And will miss him. He was such a nice person. Cal & Carol Neymeyer family
We will miss Len, serving him his favorite chicken noodle soup when he and Judy ate lunch at Pizza Ranch on Saturdays when we were there also. He looked forward to his cup of noodles, such a sweet man and we will miss him so much. Rest in peace sweet friend, you always commented on being the last of your siblings so you now join them What a joyous reunion. Much love, Sheila & Don.
Although I never knew him by his first name, I always enjoyed talking politics with Mr. Suessmith when I would often see him at the Clinton Public Library. We of course were on the same side (Democrat) which made our discussions even more enjoyable. He was also our Little League coach with the Orioles in 1979 I believe. Such a lovely sweet man. I’m sorry for his loss.