Andrew "Andy" Paul Susina

Andrew Paul Susina, 96, of Oconomowoc, WI passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 2, 2024.

Son of Emil Sr. and Ann Susina. He was born on September 28, 1927, in Chicago, IL. He worked on the family farm in Elkhorn, WI until enlisting in the Navy. He served during WWII on the USS Wautauga in the Pacific theater. He achieved the rank of Seaman first class and was honorably discharged in 1947.

Upon returning to Chicago, he began a career as a stationary engineer for boiler and refrigeration operations for several manufacturers including Progress Laundry, Canada Dry and AB Dick. He enjoyed working with all kinds of hand tools. He kept a massive library of Craftsman tools in his Glenview, IL home. Andy maintained his home, as well as many of his neighbor’s, in top performance condition throughout his family’s 50+ years dwelling there.

Andy enjoyed performing on several gymnastics’ apparatuses, particularly the high bar. He also enjoyed team pyramid building with his mates from the Navy. Being of small stature, he was the top man of the pyramid. During one pyramid build on Montrose Beach in Chicago, he met his lovely wife of 68 years, Blanche (Guindon). After age 50, he became a marathon runner. He competed in many marathons in Chicago, Miami FL, and Honolulu, HI. He remained active with bicycle riding, downhill and cross-country skiing. Over the years, he enjoyed walking the one and half miles to his favorite Glenview restaurant, Elly’s Pancake House where he would meet with his “breakfast crew.” In 2023, he decided to relocate to Oconomowoc, WI at the Wilkinson Woods assisted living facility to be closer to his daughters. He quickly became a bright star amongst the residents and staff. Everyone was greeted with his famous, “Hello, Hello, Hello” and a prompt fist bump. He quickly made friends during daily activities.

He was preceded to heaven by his wife Blanche, his brother Emil jr. and sister Dorthy (Klotz). He is survived by his daughters Debra (Charlie Raich) and Denise (Bruce Urbanik).

Being a grandfather came naturally to Andy. He had his hands full with Brian (Schroeder), Debra Ann (Sylvia), Joseph (Raich), William (Raich), Chad (Raich) Heather (Zak), and Lisa (Raich). He was also blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please feel welcome to join Andy’s family as we celebrate Andy’s life on Wednesday, July 10 from 5pm to 7pm at Pagenkopf Funeral Home at 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066. We will have a second visitation at the chapel at Memory Gardens Cemetery at 2501 E. Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 from 12pm to 2pm on Friday, July 12 with a burial service to follow where Andy will be laid to final rest with Blanche.