William Frederick Suedkamp

Aug 17th, 1939 - Jan. 27th 2021

Bill was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio with his four brothers and sister. He attended Brunnerdale Seminary and studied to become a priest from the age of 12 to 22. One year before his ordination, he enlisted and rose to the rank of 1st Lt. in the US Army and served in Vietnam at the same time as three of his brothers, Dick, Ron and Mike.

In 1964, before his deployment, Bill met Sharon Smith on a trip to Aurora, Co while helping to bring a friend’s car back home. Sharon woke him up thinking he was her brother and 3 days later they were engaged; 6 months later on Sept. 18th they were married at Fitzsimons Chapel, and 55 years later they were still together.

Bill and Sharon, together with the help of family and friends, remodeled their home, and built from the ground their garage, where they worked together over the years with several family members on upholstery.

Bill was a hard worker and retired twice over. He retired from the Aurora Post Office in 1990, where he advanced from mail carrier to supervisor. In 2010, Bill retired again, this time from Adams 12 Transportation Department. He started out as a driver and retired as a supervisor and trainer. He and Sharon unofficially retired from their hobby of upholstery work not long after that.

Bill and Sharon raised their two girls, Shannon and Kelly, in the young, growing city of Northglenn. They were a founding family of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church where Bill devoted a great amount of time, energy and love. He was a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and helped develop the Faith Formation classes. Over the years taught many of them from 1st grade to RCIA, with the last ones being for his own grandchildren. Bill was a 4th degree Knight in the K of C and loved the many opportunities to serve.

Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was always willing to come help. It didn’t matter how big or how small. It didn’t matter if it was way too hot or cold. It didn’t matter if it was way too far out of the way. He never made it feel like an imposition, and always let you know he was just glad he could be there. He had a special grace of letting you know that he really meant it.

Bill was always especially proud of his family. The true loves of his life were Sharon, his daughters, their husbands and 4 grandchildren. Bill could always be found in the stands or auditorium smiling and cheering on Stevan, Will, Ethan and Katie in their sports and music, no matter how far the drive or cold the air. But his love for family went way beyond that. Bill and Sharon’s many brothers and sisters and their kids were a great source of joy. Suedkamp reunions were always a special time to share with people he loved. Their home was always filled with the laughter and love of family and friends. Their backyard was the sight of countless volleyball games, bar-b-ques and celebrations.

Bill loved to play sports and excelled in them. He was also an avid fan. Sharon and her family introduced him to the Broncos and for over 30 years he joined the proud South Standers in the love of their team. He loved to listen to the Rockies on the radio and with the rest of Colorado stayed up well past bedtime to cheer on the Avs.

Bill never knew a stranger and always offered a welcoming smile and hug. A smile and hug so many of us will miss, but look forward to seeing when he helps to welcome us home again.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon, his daughters, Shannon (Steve) and Kelly (Chad), and his grandchildren; Stevan, Will, Ethan and Katie. He also goes before his brothers, Mike (Carsey) and Dennis (Leslie) and his sister Marianne (Greg), Jerry Hansen, Vivian Sisco, and Dale Smith as well as many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Bill was proceeded in death by his own parents, Lorraine and Richard and Step-mother Rosemary as well as his brothers Richard and Ronald and his Parent-in Laws, AB and Lela Smith and 22 Smith brothers and sisters.