Peter “Pete” John Suerken

Suerken

Peter “Pete” John Suerken, 85, of Plain City, Ohio, formerly of Marietta, Ohio, where he raised his family and devoted most of his life’s work, passed away peacefully March 3 ,2026, at Walnut Crossing Assisted Living in Marysville, Ohio.

Pete was born July 19, 1940, in Middletown, New York, to the late Dr. Ernst and Freida Suerken. He graduated from Dobbs Ferry High School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, in 1958. He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Forest Management from Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondack Mountains of New York in 1960 and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from West Virginia University in 1965. He proudly served in the Ohio National Guard beginning in1962 to 1972

Pete began his forestry career with the United States Forest Service and later joined the Ohio Division of Forestry, where he dedicated 42 years of service. From 1966 to 1972, he was responsible for fire control in southeastern Ohio, based out of the Chillicothe office. He then served for 32 years as a State Service Forester covering Athens, Monroe, Washington, Morgan, and Noble counties.

Pete was responsible for planting over 10 million trees during his career in southeastern Ohio. It took a small army because all those trees were planted by hand one at a time. Landowners all over the area came to appreciate his style and honesty because of the massive value he created through TSI (Timber Stand Improvement) projects and his various conservation and planting programs. He helped harvest the national Christmas tree for the White House in 1987 and established numerous Tree Farms in southern Ohio during his career. He was sustainable and green before anyone knew what that was. At the same time Pete never worked a day in his life because he loved the woods. He loved the forests he walked through every day and that’s what made him an amazing forester.

While attending West Virginia University he met his wife of 62 years, Anna Belle (Sommer) Suerken, who survives him. They were married in Southside, West Virginia on July 27, 1963. He is survived by his children Pete (Cheryl) Suerken and Erin (Ryan) Marr, and his grandchildren Hunter and Tanner Suerken and Russell and Allison Marr all of Dublin, Ohio. Also survived by his sister Susan (Henry) Ferguson of Mystic, CT, sister-in-law Ruth Ellen Sommer of Southside, WV, and many special nieces and nephews.

Pete was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with many lifelong friends and family members. Pete greatly enjoyed hunting each year and even in later years continued to hunt and fish with his grandchildren in the local area. For Pete, the arrival of hunting season each year was a source of deep and unwavering joy. It wasn’t just a sport; it was a cherished tradition. When leaves started to change colors and drop, that meant one thing: deer season was around the corner. He loved that time of year. He could tell you every buck that he, Phil, and Gordie ever shot. Along with endless stories about hollows and hills they hunted. There was Bullwinkle 1 and 2 then the famed Doo-da holler. The banter was endless. They razzed each other about everything. The jokes never stopped. Not only did they love the hunt, but they loved each other. Few have friends and family that share that much passion for the same thing and it’s even rarer that they get to live out that passion every year. Pete was a starring figure in a true cast of characters every fall. Few will ever feel that joy.

He transitioned seamlessly into the role of mentor, continuing to hunt and fish with his grandchildren. These excursions were more than just recreational activities. They were precious opportunities to pass down his extensive knowledge of wildlife, his deep appreciation for conservation, and the quiet patience required to be a successful sportsman. The woods held a lifetime of memories for Pete and sharing them with the next generation brought him profound contentment.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Marietta, Ohio for 42 years and attended Jerome United Methodist Church, Plain City, Ohio for the last 10 years. Pete served on the Board of Trustees for several years while attending First Baptist Church.

Memorial services will be held at Harmony Cemetery, Southside, WV later. In honor of Pete’s life, plant a tree or simply spend time outdoors.

Thank you to the nurses and aides of Walnut Crossing and Hospice 360 for their loving care for Pete and the family.