John "Mike" Suiter, age 73 of Melvindale, Michigan died unexpectedly on August 29, 2014.Loving Husband of 53 years to Mary (Tiernan).Father of Jeffery (Mary), Michelle (David) Angileri, Tamara (Kevin) McGuckin, and Michael (Brenda).Proud & Loving Grandfather of Meghan (Antoine), Ashley, Dakota, Noah, Hunter, Riley, Joesph, and Jack.
Born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on April 3, 1941 and preceeded in death by John "Jack" Suiter and Eileen (Jake) Suiter.Brother to Janet (Gary Rozenboom), Steven (Kathy), and Robert (Mary Ann).
Mike graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1959, attended William Penn College, Simpson College, and ultimately graduated with his business degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa while attending night school and working full time for John Deere.In 1992 he received his Master's Degree from Marygrove University.Mike was a life-long learner attending Oakland Community College for his horticulture associates degree as well as Henry Ford Community College.Mike also was a frequent student at the Wixom Learning Center.He could always be found with a book in his hand, regardless of the subject matter, often times reading the same book 2 or 3 times.
He was an active member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Melvindale and life member of the Robert H. Jones Knights of Columbus Council.Mike was a 30 year member of St. Conrad's Church in Melvindale, where he was active with Parish Council and the maintenance gang and many other supportive roles.For a number of years he donated his time cutting the church grass.
Mike currently was an elected member of the Melvindale-Northern Allen Park School Board, sat on the Melvindale Housing Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Democratic Precinct Delegate.He also served in past years on the Melvindale City Council and DPW & Water Director.He was an active member of the Dearborn and Melvindale Kiwanis Clubs receiving the George E. Hixon award in 1998 for his exceptional service to the community.From September to October, Mike could be found selling peanuts on Dearborn and Melvindale street corners.There wasn't a charity or cause that he wouldn't work for or an argument that he would shy away from.When the consensus said the sky was blue he would argue it was red.
In 2003 he retired from Ford Motor Company.Over the years he worked at Ford Implement in Iowa, Ford Rouge in Dearborn, and Wixom Assembly, he was a valued employee to Ford and a dedicated member of the UAW.As a part of the employee involvement program, he was asked to participate in a nationwide commercial in 1991. Mike was a trustee in local 36 and was staunch proponent of the Labor Movement.
After time with family, Mike's favorite pastime was gardening.In 1983 he started a program to utilize vacant lots in Melvindale to make urban gardens.He was written up in the "Mellus Newpaper" in 1984 for use of tarps to mitigate intrusive weeds.He would use gardening to spend time with his family and friends.He often donated excess produce to friends, neighbors, community groups, and food pantries. Mike's beliefs were grounded in giving back to your community and he loved it.
In Lieu of Flowers, the family is establishing the J. Michael Suiter Scholarship Fund in support of kids seeking secondary education from the Melvindale School System.Donations can be sent to 3303 Oakwood, Melvindale Michigan 48122 C/O J. Michael Suiter Scholarship Fund.