Lake Bluff Obituary: Gordon Suckow, 95

Gordon Martin Suckow, 95, died peacefully on November 4, 2023, surrounded by his daughter and son in Amelia Island, Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Diana D. Suckow, in 2016 and his three brothers. He is survived by his two children, Susan S. Barkhausen (David) of Amelia Island, Florida and John K. Suckow (Deb) of Darien, CT. He was the loving and doting “Bap” to four grandchildren: Wicks Barkhausen (MT), Billy Barkhausen, John Suckow Jr. (Ashley) and Sarah Suckow and three great grandchildren: Birdie and Teddy Barkhausen and Will Suckow.

Gordon was born and raised on a dairy farm in Ripon, Wisconsin during the Great Depression. A diligent student, he graduated as salutatorian from Ripon College and earned his MBA degree from Harvard Business School. In between, he served in both the U.S. Navy and Air Force.

Gordon and Diana settled in Lake Bluff, Illinois and were residents for over 50 years. Gordon worked as an executive at the Northern Trust Company in Chicago for almost 40 years. With retirement, Gordon and Diana spent portions of winters first in South Carolina and then half a year in a second home in Green Valley, Arizona.

Humble and good-natured, Gordon was seen as a “gentle giant.” He enjoyed sailing, primitive camping, playing bridge, classical music, following the Green Bay Packers and Chicago White Sox, socializing with friends, and time with his family most of all. The family is grateful for the loving care from the staff at Osprey Village of Amelia Island for the last two and half years and from the Vitas hospice agency at the end.

This obituary was provided by the family of Gordon Suckow. The views expressed here are the author's own.