Obituary of Jack P. Susner

Jack P. Susner

 

Jack Paul Susner, age 84, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Joliet Area Community Hospice Home, with his loving family by his side.

 

Born March 26, 1933 in Joliet, to Chris and Ann (nee Tomac) Susner, he was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High School, Class of 1951.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Lewis University, and a Master's of Education Degree from Northern Illinois University.

 

Jack served as Superintendent of Education for the Illinois Department of Corrections for 26 years.  He later served for 13 years as Chief Bailiff for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court at the Will County Courthouse.  He was an active member of the Croatian Cultural Club and served on both the Will County Zoning and Planning Boards.

 

Jack had a kind personality, a curious nature, and was a lifelong learner.  He and his wife were world travelers visiting every continent with the exception of Antarctica.  But above all, he treasured his family, and adored each new generation.  Jack’s zest for life was matched by his wit and his “grandpa sense of humor.”  He will be remembered for his often-repeated mantra, “Patience and fortitude, and things will go your way.”

 

Surviving are his beloved wife of 61 years, Phyllis M. (nee Polich) Susner; his son, James P. (Sharon) Susner of Joliet; his daughter, Sarah (Daniel) Bush of Minooka; his son-in-law, Bartho Caponi; ten grandchildren, Dr. Bartho (Andrea) Caponi III, Jonathan Caponi, Holly Marie (Jesse) Magana, Amanda (fiancé Paul Kelaiditis) Caponi, Angela (Mark) Ferry, Lindsey (Robert) Casares, Thomas Susner, Alyssa Bush, Claire (James) Leyhane, and Mallory Bush; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; grandaughter-in-law, Sara Johnston Susner; sister-in-law, Virginia Susner; and many nieces and nephews.

  

He was preceded in death by his dear daughter, Jan Marie Caponi (1999); his parents, and five brothers, Robert (Genevieve), Richard, Bernard (Barbara), Raymond and Donald Susner.

 

Funeral services for Jack Susner will be held Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be in St. Mary Nativity Cemetery.

 

Memorials in his name to St. Joseph Indian School, 1301 N. Main Street, Chamberlain, SD 57325, or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.

 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

 

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com