Richard Matthew Suchy

Richard Matthew Suchy, 87, a resident of Fergus Falls (formerly of Underwood), died Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

He was born on the family farm in Millerville on April 2, 1931, to Paul and Mary (Revering) Suchy, the second oldest of 12 children; six brothers and five sisters. His dad lost his hearing at the age of 36, and from that point on, Richie was the interpreter for him.

Because he was one of the oldest children, Richie worked hard on the farm and for his family. There were many times he would have to miss school because his parents needed his help. He went to school through the eighth grade, then stayed home to work with his father until he was 21. Richie entered the United States Army on June 2, 1953 and was honorably discharged to the Army Reserves as a PVC(T), on May 9, 1955; receiving the National Defense Service Medal. He then served an additional six years (service under the Universal Military Training and Service Act). While in the service, he was married and had a daughter, LuAnn.

After a 14-year courtship, Richie married Marlene Wagner Thompson on April 8, 1989. Along with the marriage contract came 9 kids! Together they share 10 children and numerous grandchildren. He was very proud of his big family.

For 35 years, Richie worked for the Hamm’s Brewery in St. Paul, MN. He retired in 1990 and moved to Underwood. He was a 50-year member of the American Legion. He attended conventions, marched in parades, and participated in many programs. Richie and Marlene were the first Senior King and Queen Royalty for the Underwood Harvest Festival.

Richie loved his country, his family, hunting and fishing. Richie and Marlene used to go dancing every week, so he especially enjoyed the accordion polka and schottische music. He moved to the Minnesota Veterans Home in November of 2011 and was a terrific advocate for the Veterans facility. He said, “If you can’t be at home, this is a good place to be.”

Preceding him in death were his parents, Paul and Mary Suchy; mother-in-law, Anna Wagner; brothers, Wally and LeRoy; sister, Lorraine Gluba; son-in-law, Steve Mark; grandchildren, Heidi Nelson, Jacob Ness, and Baby Girl Thompson; along with numerous in-laws.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene (Thompson) Suchy of Underwood; daughters, LuAnn (Buzzy) Woitas of St. Paul, Bonnie (Russ) Bye of Underwood, Peggy (Randy) Nelson of Battle Lake, Sue (Brian) Rismoen of Fergus Falls, Sharon Mark of Underwood, Tammy (James) Carter of Fergus Falls, Brenda Ness of Fergus Falls; sons, Dick (Kathi) Thompson of Sierra Vista, AZ, Curt (RoxAnne) Thompson of Battle Lake, Ron (JoAnn) Thompson of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Tom, Lori, Julie, Lisa, Jeff, Bruce, Jason, Cody, Shelly, Christy, Kari, Kali, Brady, Molly, Sadie, Lacey, Meg & Aaron; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters, MaryAnn (Norbert) Wagner of Inver Grove Heights, Josie (Ben) Stich of Battle Lake, Evie Klimek of Urbank, Virginia (Myron) Koep of Millerville; brothers, Billy (Lorraine) Suchy of Millerville, Paul Jr. (Gayle) Suchy of Millerville, Johnny (Shirley) Suchy of Inver Grove Heights, Bernie Suchy of Urbank; sisters-in-law, Annette Suchy of Evansville, Marilyn Suchy of Hastings; brothers-in-law, Roger Wagner of Brandon, Marvin (Darlene) Wagner of Brandon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

God bless the memory of Richard Suchy.



Visitation: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2018, at St. James Catholic Church, Maine

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2018, at St. James Catholic Church, Maine, MN

Clergy: Father LeRoy Schik and Deacon Craig Stich

Military Participation: Underwood American Legion Post 489

Interment: Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery, Battle Lake, MN

Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls

Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com