Kenneth Lee Suchy

Kenneth Lee Suchy, 82, of The Villages, Florida, and formerly of Carterville, passed away Monday, November 25, 2024, at Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care in The Villages, Florida.

He was born on March 15, 1942, in Cary, Illinois, to Anton and Lanita (Klasen) Suchy. Ken was raised on a farm in Algonquin, Illinois, for 15 years of his life. When his father passed away in 1957, he and his mother moved to Fox River Grove, Illinois. There, he attended Crystal Lake High School and was a proud member of the class of 1960. Ken played basketball, football, and baseball, and was a recipient of many athletic achievements. He then attended the University of Illinois for 2 years. Ken graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1967 and then received his Master’s degree from SIU in 1971.

Ken is survived by his older brother, Richard Suchy of Roseville, Minnesota, and his loving soulmate, Janet Jackman of The Villages, Florida. He was also very fortunate to have many loving nieces and nephews whom he loved to have visit and entertain!

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold, Elmer, Glen, Norman, Vernon, and Raymond; and sisters, Lorraine and Lois.

Ken taught school in Carterville, Illinois, for 26 years. The first five years he taught high school where he coached football, basketball, and track. He was proud of his intramural program that he developed in physical education. His students enjoyed the extra competition he provided. He then taught in the elementary school system for 21 years where he developed a P.E. program for Cambria, Carterville, and Crainville, Illinois. His students enjoyed a variety of activities, and he provided P.E. exhibitions for parents to observe their children’s talents.

Ken was a volunteer assistant for Gary Barten and the John A. Logan Lady Volunteers for 18 years. His association with the Lady Vols program was a very gratifying experience! Special thanks to “Boomer” Barten for allowing me to be associated with the team’s success on their annual Road to Tyler, Texas! These were very memorable years and cherished friendships were made with staff and team members!

Suchy’s “Back Shed” was a real personal passion for hosting Monday night football, birthdays, anniversaries, and class reunions. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends and the shed was always available for anyone to gather and entertain.

In a certain circle of friends, Ken, was known as “Sookie the Bookie”! He always made friendly “pools” to participate in 4 major golf tournaments, horse races, and NCAA basketball tourneys.

Ken retired in 1994 from teaching. He invested in real estate and rental property in the Carterville area until he moved to The Villages, Florida in 2011 with his loving partner, Jan Jackman. There they enjoyed many activities in the “fun and sun” of Florida! They loved to travel, play golf, entertain, and daily workouts at the pool! They were proud members of the Garden Worship Center Church in Belleview, Florida. The messages and music from Pastor Norman Lee Schaffer were always inspiring and heartfelt.

Ken was a member and past president of the Williamson County Retired Teachers Association. He was also a member of the Elks BPOE Lodge 800 for nearly 50 years, member of the Crab Orchard Golf Club for many years, and charter member of the Chicago Cubs fan club located in The Villages.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Pastor Matt Brown officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.  Committal services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, December 9, 2024, at Algonquin Cemetery in Algonquin, Illinois.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Garden Worship Center, 12740 SE Hwy 484, Belleview, Florida 34420.

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