February 7, 2015
REST IN PEACE
David G. Suelzer, 83, entered into eternal life on February 7, 2015.
He was born on September 19, 1931, the son of Leo and Mae Suelzer, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dave attended Cathedral Grade School and Sacred Heart Seminary of Fort Wayne and Our Lady of the Lake Seminary in Syracuse, IN. After his novitiate for the Crosier Order at Immaculate Conception Monastery in Hastings, Nebraska, he was professed into the order and took his philosophical and theological training at the Crosier House of Studies, Fort Wayne. Dave was ordained to the priesthood in 1957 and served as prior and chancellor of the Crosier Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota from 1963 until 1969. During this time, Dave also served as a pastoral consultant at the Hazelton Center in Minnesota. He later received a dispensation and continued his ministry as a lay person, working for 35 years as an addictions counselor at North Central Health Care, Wausau, Wisconsin.
Dave's family life began when he married Marilyn Newton on May 31, 1975 at St. Mark Catholic Church. Their two children, Gregory and Marianne were his "greatest treasure." Marilyn preceded Dave in death in 1993.
He married Susan Soriano on January 4, 2002 at St. Michael Catholic Church and became a beloved member of her family as well.
Dave was very active in both the local and parish community. He was involved in the AOD Partnership Council since its founding in 1988 as well as TIP (Treatment Instead of Prison). He also served on the board of Randlin Homes and supported the efforts of the Naomi interfaith social justice group. He was a member of the Golden Kiwanis and greatly enjoyed stamp collecting, especially after retirement. But nothing gave him greater joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Dave is survived by his wife, Susan, his sister Mary Lee Suelzer, his son Gregory and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Wagner, daughter Marianne and son-in-law Jason Wunsch and his grandchildren Madelyn, Alexander, Mabel and Henry. He is also survived by Susan's children and family, all of whom were truly blessed to have Dave in their lives. David Suelzer was a man who loved greatly and was greatly loved. He will be missed by an uncountable number of people whose lives were touched by his kindness.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 12 at St. Michael Catholic Church. Friends may call on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crosier Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 500, Onemia, MN 56359-0500.
David was a CORPUS member.