Marie Elaine Suhr
August 26, 1942 — July 28, 2022
Marie Elaine Suhr, daughter of Theodore and Mildred (Vern) Zurek Filipowicz, was born in Omaha, NE, on August 26th, 1942. She was baptized, and confirmed at St. Bridgets, located in South Omaha. She both attended, and graduated from South High in Omaha, Nebraska. She then went to work at Bell Telephone Company. It was there that one of her co-workers introduced her to Kenneth Suhr. They were later married on Aug. 25th, 1962. To this union, four sons were born: Christopher Allen, Scott Michael, Brian Keith, and Kevin Raymond.
She was a stay-at home mother and helped her husband Kenny, on the farm. In 1979, she assisted with the creation of Suhr Club Lambs, which, for the last 41 years, has produced many lifelong friendships with fellow 4H'ers, and their families. Marie was also instrumental in assisting with lambing, and caring for bottle lambs, as well as the day-to-day operations.
She began working at Iowa State University in 1983 as a 4-H Aide for East Pottawattamie. Later, she attended college at Iowa Western Community College, where she earned her Associate Degree. Upon the conclusion of graduation, she began working with the Iowa State University Outreach Program, as an Outreach Coordinator. She later worked for Iowa Workforce Development, where she worked until retirement. Kenneth and Marie contributed much of their time, knowledge, and resources to the Iowa 4H Association and its' 4H'ers. Their efforts were recently recognized this summer when they were inducted into the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame.
Marie was a caring person, with a kind and giving heart for others. She would stop at nothing to find resources for those in need. Marie was adamant about her boys being involved, well-rounded individuals. They participated in all aspects of 4H, including clothing, food and nutrition projects, as well as livestock and sports.
Marie loved to keep Kenny in line, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed singing and volunteering with the St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She was a great cook, always serving up authentic Polish dishes and hosting large, family meals. Her parents would frequently visit for the weekend enjoying time with one another. Together, they would often garden and make polish sausage with Filipowicz's secret recipe.
Marie passed away peacefully on July 28th, at the Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa, at 79 years of age. She is preceded in death by her son Chris Suhr, her husband Kenny Suhr, her parents Theodore and Mildred Filipowicz, her in-laws Raymond and Joesphine Suhr, her sister Gloria Derickson, her brothers-in-law, and their spouses Jim and Carol Suhr, Charlie and Hazel Suhr, Howard and Verla Christensen, and brother-in-law, John Singer.
She is survived by her sons Scott (Natalie) Suhr, from Adair, IA, Brian Suhr of Josephine, TX, Kevin (Sarah) Suhr of Overland Park, KS. As well as her 13 grandchildren, Chase Larsen, Dillon Suhr, Carly Suhr, Cade Suhr, Colton Suhr, Madison Suhr, Trevin Suhr, Chloe Suhr, Shelby Suhr, Cash Suhr, Lincoln Suhr, Creighton Suhr and Hudson Suhr. Siblings Ted (Mary) Filipowicz of Eatonton GA, Ray (Karen) Filipowicz of Elkhorn, NE Marilyn Singer of Meza, AZ; Terry (Cindy) Suhr of Walnut, IA; Steve Derickson of St. Louis, MO and many nieces and nephews.
She was a stay-at home mother and helped her husband Kenny, on the farm. In 1979, she assisted with the creation of Suhr Club Lambs, which, for the last 41 years, has produced many lifelong friendships with fellow 4H'ers, and their families. Marie was also instrumental in assisting with lambing, and caring for bottle lambs, as well as the day-to-day operations.
She began working at Iowa State University in 1983 as a 4-H Aide for East Pottawattamie. Later, she attended college at Iowa Western Community College, where she earned her Associate Degree. Upon the conclusion of graduation, she began working with the Iowa State University Outreach Program, as an Outreach Coordinator. She later worked for Iowa Workforce Development, where she worked until retirement. Kenneth and Marie contributed much of their time, knowledge, and resources to the Iowa 4H Association and its' 4H'ers. Their efforts were recently recognized this summer when they were inducted into the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame.
Marie was a caring person, with a kind and giving heart for others. She would stop at nothing to find resources for those in need. Marie was adamant about her boys being involved, well-rounded individuals. They participated in all aspects of 4H, including clothing, food and nutrition projects, as well as livestock and sports.
Marie loved to keep Kenny in line, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed singing and volunteering with the St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She was a great cook, always serving up authentic Polish dishes and hosting large, family meals. Her parents would frequently visit for the weekend enjoying time with one another. Together, they would often garden and make polish sausage with Filipowicz's secret recipe.
Marie passed away peacefully on July 28th, at the Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa, at 79 years of age. She is preceded in death by her son Chris Suhr, her husband Kenny Suhr, her parents Theodore and Mildred Filipowicz, her in-laws Raymond and Joesphine Suhr, her sister Gloria Derickson, her brothers-in-law, and their spouses Jim and Carol Suhr, Charlie and Hazel Suhr, Howard and Verla Christensen, and brother-in-law, John Singer.
She is survived by her sons Scott (Natalie) Suhr, from Adair, IA, Brian Suhr of Josephine, TX, Kevin (Sarah) Suhr of Overland Park, KS. As well as her 13 grandchildren, Chase Larsen, Dillon Suhr, Carly Suhr, Cade Suhr, Colton Suhr, Madison Suhr, Trevin Suhr, Chloe Suhr, Shelby Suhr, Cash Suhr, Lincoln Suhr, Creighton Suhr and Hudson Suhr. Siblings Ted (Mary) Filipowicz of Eatonton GA, Ray (Karen) Filipowicz of Elkhorn, NE Marilyn Singer of Meza, AZ; Terry (Cindy) Suhr of Walnut, IA; Steve Derickson of St. Louis, MO and many nieces and nephews.
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