Richard Arthur Suver
March 18, 1936 - December 30, 2023
Richard Arthur “Pete” Suver, age 87, of Yelm, Washington passed away on December 30th, 2023. He is reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, Janice Laurene Boren Suver, daughter Susan, and his parents Elmer William Suver and Marie Sleet Suver. He is survived by his three sons, Pete (wife Cindy), Pat (wife Lisa), and Andy (wife Sheiska), and 8 grandchildren.
Pete was born in Tacoma on March 18th, 1936, and graduated from St. Martin’s High School in 1954. He enlisted in the U.S. Army upon graduation and regarded his time in the service as formative and meaningful, grateful for the opportunity to travel and to serve his country. Upon his return home, he met Janice and began his career as a heavy equipment operator. One career highlight was Pete’s work in the rebuilding of the Hood Canal Bridge in the early 1980s. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 612 for more than 60 years. In Ashford, Washington, he and Janice established both the Suver General Store and their growing household. Busy family life with their four children consisted of camping at Huckleberry and Berry Creek, trips to the drive-in movie theater, and everyone pitching in to run the store. Pete’s devotion to his family, the Catholic Church, his country, and his union was steadfast.
Pete will be remembered for his many ambitious DIY projects, charitable nature, and fierce bear hugs. His family would like to extend their gratitude for the care he received at The Cottages of Lacey once he was no longer able to live alone, and for the medical attention he received at Providence St. Peter’s Hospital at the end of his life. A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Columban Catholic Church in Yelm on Tuesday, January 16th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Knights of Columbus.