Michael J. Suszan

Michael J. Suszan was called to his heavenly home on June 27, 2014. He passed away peacefully to the nostalgic tunes of the Big Bands playing in his room. He was 93 years old and was fortunate to have had an amazing life. Born on April 21, 1921 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to Mary and Nicolai, he grew up during the Great Depression and told many stories of the adventures he had with his big brother Jon and overcoming the challenges of that era. A proud graduate of Ohio State University, he earned his BS in 1947. He was proud to be a Buckeye! One of his greatest contributions was his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II where he served as a Special Agent in the Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) embedded with the famed 10th Mountain Division. His service included time in Casablanca, French Morocco, Italy, Yugoslavia, Germany and Austria. He and his team were credited with running “the most successful” counter-intelligence operation of the war, “Alpha Primo” which involved the work of a double agent in preparation for the Allied invasion of Europe. He spoke six languages (Ukrainian, Polish, Italian, French, German and English) and was a great asset to his CIC Team. After the war Mike established a very successful career as a Financial Planner. He married Virginia Clara Bluhm on October 7, 1950, together they had four children and enjoyed many travels spanning the globe. His favorite place however, always remained the “cottage” on beautiful Torch Lake. More happy times were spent there with family and friends during summers and holidays than anywhere else! Mike spent the last few years happily in Traverse City at the Grand Traverse Pavilions (which he highly recommended to all of us!). We are so grateful that these years were happy and comfortable for him. Mike will be buried at his beloved Torch Lake. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother. He is survived by his four children and their families; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one more on the way, expected in July. He will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor and storytelling, his love of family and engaging social nature but most importantly, simply and lovingly, as “Papa”. In lieu of flowers the family requests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mike’s honor, please donate to the Grand Traverse Pavilions at: Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation, 1000 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684, In honor of: Michael Suszan. Or visit: under the Foundation tab. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories of Michael. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Michael J. Suszan

April 21, 1921 - June 27, 2014