Dean Clinton Sukus, born July 1, 1934, in Racine, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. He was the son of Louise Marguerite (Fischer) Sukus and Gustave Peter Sukus. Dean’s life was deeply rooted in faith; he was baptized, confirmed, and later married at Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Racine.
In 1956, Dean was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served for two years as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Not long after returning home, he met the love of his life. On May 21, 1960, he married Gerardina “Deanne” Hendrika van Baaren, beginning a devoted partnership that would span more than 66 years and become the foundation of a close-knit and loving family.
Dean built a life defined by hard work, skill, and pride in his craft. He worked as a tool and die maker at Walker Manufacturing and American Brass, and later as a pattern maker at E&E Pattern Works in North Chicago, where he spent 28 years before retiring. He was also a proud member of Unity Lodge #367 of the Masons.
Together, Dean and Deanne created a life full of memories and adventure. They shared a love of travel, taking cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, and making frequent trips to Europe – especially to Holland, Deanne’s birthplace – where they cherished time with family and friends. For 20 years, February meant Clearwater Beach, Florida, where they built lasting friendships and what they lovingly referred to as their “February family.”
At home, Dean’s greatest joy was his family. He and Deanne were deeply involved in their children’s lives, serving as head chaperones for the Kenosha summer band programs, including the American Band and the Band of the Black Watch. Those years were filled with music, laughter, and lasting friendships.
Dean also found peace and happiness in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. In 1979, he and Deanne purchased land in St. Germain, where he built a cabin on Moon Lake with his own hands. It became a special place for the family; a place of quiet mornings, fishing, and countless memories that will continue to be treasured for generations.
He was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and a former member of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and taught Sunday school, sharing his faith and values with others.
Dean is survived by his beloved wife, Deanne; his daughter, Pam Sorensen of Pleasant Prairie; his son, Dean Jr., and special daughter-in-law, Kathren, of Janesville; his grandchildren, Allison (Isak) Swanson of Oregon, and Brendan Sukus (Lexi Ploch) of Madison; and his great-granddaughter, Olivia Swanson. He is further survived by his nieces, Deborah (Roger) Koessl and Yvonne Mueller; special cousins, Faith (Louis) Monty and Judith Bruesewitz; and many other extended relatives. He took great joy in the simple moments, especially time spent with his grand doggies: Max, Frankie, and Otis.
Above all, Dean will be remembered for his steady presence, his devotion to his family and the Lord, and the quiet way he showed his love through everything he did.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 8760 37th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142 https://stpaulskenosha.org/ or to Aurora Zilber Family Hospice, 1155 N Honey Creek Pkwy, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 would be appreciated.
