Suderman, Eli J. (1916-2010)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2010 Nov 15 p. 9

Birth date: 1916 Aug 9

text of obituary:

ELI J. SUDERMAN

Eli J. Suderman, 94, of Hillsboro, Kan., died Nov. 1, 2010, at Parkside Homes. He was born Aug. 9, 1916, to G.W. and Anna Loewen Suderman in rural Hillsboro.

He was a lifelong farmer and stockman in the Ebenfeld community. He married Edna Koop on May 25, 1942, and they enjoyed 66 years together before she died in November 2008.

He was baptized June 10, 1928, and became a lifelong member of Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church. He worked faithfully in various areas such as Sunday school superintendent, trustee, Sunday school teacher, song leader, member of the men’s chorus and on several building committees. The community recognized his wisdom in his terms of service on the boards of the Farmer’s Equity Union, USD 410 and Mennonite Aid Union of Kansas, serving as president/chair of each. He was also a member of the Parkside Executive Board.

He graduated from Hillsboro High School. He began advanced education at Salt City Business College, but returned home on a farm deferment during World War II. He spent a lifetime on that farm raising crops and livestock. He especially enjoyed his livestock business.

He and Edna enjoyed traveling to many places in the United States and a trip to Brazil. Favorite destinations were to see their families in Oklahoma and California. His cousins were special to him, and family reunions were always a highlight.

Survivors include four children, Don Suderman and his wife, June, and Carla Koslowsky and her husband, Ken, all of Hillsboro, Krista Bryant and her husband, Steven, of Concordia, and Lyle (Julie) Suderman and his wife, Julie, of Olathe; a sister, Irene Seibel, of Hillsboro; seven grandchildren and a great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; a brother, Jonas; and three sisters, Alma Jost, Anna Daisy Siemens and Bernice Karber. A son, Larry Dean, was stillborn.

Funeral services were held at Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church. Burial was in Eben Cemetery.