Rev. Robert Dean Suderman, Sr.

Robert Dean Suderman
Newton Kansan
Posted Feb 24, 2010 @ 12:32 PM
Robert Dean Suderman died on Saturday (Feb. 20, 2010) in Wichita. He was born on Dec. 1, 1928, in rural Newton to Alfred C. and Matilda (Wiebe) Suderman. He married Ruth Melinda Jantz on Aug. 22, 1952. They were married 53 years. Robert was a dedicated husband and showed her great care and devotion during her final years. She died on Sept. 16, 2005. Robert had an extensive educational background. He graduated from Bethel Academy in Newton, and received bachelors degrees from Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, Neb., and Wheaton College in Chicago. He later attended seminary at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., where he received an undergraduate and master's degrees. He did doctoral studies at King's College in Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom. His professional life included ministry, teaching and chaplaincy. He was pastor to three First Mennonite churches. They were in Paso Robles, Calif., (1962 to 1965); Newton (1970 to 1971); and Halstead (1971 to 1978). He also served as a pastoral assistant at Koerner Heights Church in Newton from 2006 to 2010. He was a college professor at Bethel College from 1965 to 1968. In 1979, he became the first Protestant chaplain in the oncology ward of St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. He served in the oncology ward for 15 years, where he was deeply devoted and highly regarded by the hospital staff and patients.

Robert was a "pastor all of the time." He was known as a kind, gentle and caring man with a good sense of humor. Robert also loved farming in his spare time. He and son David rebuilt the farmhouse he grew up in, and he farmed his acreage until his death. He is survived by his son, Robert Suderman Jr. of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; and granddaughters, Pandora Suderman of Olympia, Wash., Sarah Suderman of Portland, Ore., (and their mother, Theresa Suderman) and Katherine Suderman of San Luis Obispo (and her mother, Diane Suderman). He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; parents; and son and daughter-in-law, David and Barbara Suderman. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Koerner Heights Church of the Mennonite Brethren. A committal service will be at 1:30 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. A memorial has been set up for "Father's House" in care of the funeral home.