Obituary of Theodore Suttmeier

Theodore W. Suttmeier, Well Loved Family Man and Local Historian Theodore W. Suttmeier, 85, of Pocono Pines, passed away peacefully at home on February 7, in the loving presence of his wife Jean Suttmeier. They had recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. He was born on April 25, 1926 in Queens, NY. Ted was the son of Harriet (Klein) Suttmeier and Christopher Emil Suttmeier. Ted is survived by five children: William Suttmeier and his wife, Joanne, of Issaquah, Washington; Janet Altobello and her husband, Craig, of Peterborough, New Hampshire; Kenneth Suttmeier and his wife, Linda, of Pattenburg, New Jersey; Theodore Suttmeier and his wife, Liz, of Saugerties, New York; and Peter Suttmeier of Avon, Connecticut.Ted has thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild, Scott, Luke, Jenna, Emily, Ben, Nathan, Devin, Josh, Chris, Amy, Jenn, Cameron, Cody and Claire. In addition, Ted is survived by his siblings Carol Kreyling of BelAir, MD; Doris Zimmermann of Pocono Pines; and Richard (Pete) Suttmeier of Keene Valley,. Lucille (Suttmeier) Palminteri, his sister, preceded him in death. Ted graduated from Richmond Hill High School, in Queens, New York; Concordia Junior College in Bronxville, N.Y.; and Valparaiso University in Indiana. He did graduate work at NYU in the Graduate School of Business Administration. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II. During the 35 years that Ted and Jean lived in Bridgewater, N.J. Ted held jobs in information management systems with various companies in the Somerset County region. Later he worked in gift planning with the Lutheran Church in America Foundation in New York City For more than 75 years Ted experienced Pocono summers, including his retirement at Lake Naomi. He shared his lifetime of Pocono knowledge with others interested in the cultural history of the area, as well as his love for exploring the forest trails, waterfalls, ponds, rivers and streams of the region as a hike, bike and cross country ski trip leader. For many years he monitored water quality on Tunkhannock Creek. He loved foraging for blueberries and kept track of his picking sites, sharing that knowledge with family and friends. Ted enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and Europe, as well as visiting children and grandchildren and observing whatever sport was in season. The family enjoyed Pocono time throughout the year and hiking with Ted to all the places he loved. Ted authored one book on the history of Lutherland/Pocono Crest. He spent 14 years of retirement doing research and writing the book as well as relaxing with tennis, golf and hiking in between. He also served as acting president of the Historical Association of Tobyhanna Township. The members avidly sought display areas to remind the community of the historical past of the township, which included the changing display case at Clymer Library. Ted was honored with a plaque of recognition by the township as a charter member of HATT for his years of efforts. On September 11, 2011 more than 100 friends gathered for a program of tribute held for Ted which included a short walk into the Beaver Brook woods at Pinecrest where stories of appreciation and adventure were recalled by those present. This was followed by a potluck gathering at the Lake Naomi Club patio. Ted was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Pocono Lake. A memorial service will be held at the church on February 25 at 1 o'clock, preceded by family visitation at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ted's honor to Faith Lutheran Church for the memorial garden fund, or to the Historical Association of Tobyhanna Township.