Hilary S. Susalla

Hilary Simon Susalla, 92, of Washington Township, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Hilary was born in Parisville, MI on July 18, 1929 to the late Leo and Julia (Kubacki) Susalla. He married Grace Marie Gentner on October 21, 1950 at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruth, MI. She preceded him in death on August 1, 2020 after 69 years of marriage. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, with a deep faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Hilary grew up on a farm in Parisville, MI with four brothers and five sisters. He attended Filmore School, a one-room schoolhouse, through the eighth grade. He did not have a ride to high school, so he stayed home and helped with chores and harvesting on the family farm. Hilary met his wife, Grace, through a friend from the neighboring town of Ruth. Together, Hilary and Grace raised seven children in Center Line, MI, where they were members of St. Clement Catholic Church. He worked as a machinist (lathe operator) for a small parts manufacturing firm before retiring in 1992. In 1993 they moved “north” to Washington Township where they quickly adjusted to their new neighborhood and became members of SS. John & Paul Catholic Church, where Hilary was an Usher and money counter. His hobbies over the years included hunting, bowling, gardening and volunteering at the local Samaritan House. He was an avid reader and always kept up on current events. Hilary was a 66+ year member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteering at many of their functions and was an active member of the “rosary team” for many years. Hilary is survived by his seven children: Mary Jo Kaminski of Rockford, Stephen (Cheryl) of Columbus, Cynthia (Barry) Turner of Clinton Township, Lynn (Dennis) Houbeck of Chesterfield, Lois (Douglas) Rumpz of Muskegon, Kevin (Allison) of Sterling Heights and Robert of Washington Township; 16 grandchildren: Michael (Jill) Kaminski, Brian (Jordan) Kaminski, Lindsey McFarland, Jessica (Ken) Hardin, Leanne Turner, Steven Houbeck, Matthew (Kristen) Houbeck, Katherine (AG) Woods, Sheila (the late Dustin) Tjapkes, Adam (Kurstin) Rumpz, Emily (Yoni) Seevers, Conner Susalla, Olivia Susalla, Mitchell Susalla, Logan Susalla and Joseph Susalla; 18 great-grandchildren; brothers: Kenneth (Ruth), Eugene (Diane); sisters: Margaret (Don) Musinski, Katherine (Chuck) Veeser; brother-in-law Dennis Gentner; sisters-in-law Shirley Susalla, Marilyn Bornais and many loving nieces and nephews. Hilary was preceded in death by his infant son, Brian; infant grandson, Peter Houbeck; sons-in-law, Les Kaminski and Mike Swidwinski; two brothers, Harold (Betty) and Gerald; and three sisters and their husbands: Lillian (James) Abraham, Jeanette (Richard) Goniwiecha and Magdalene (Lloyd) Grifka. Visitation will be at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, 11280 32 Mile Road, Romeo, MI on Sunday, June 26, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Monday, June 27, 2022, at SS. John and Paul Catholic Church from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. There will be a Scripture Service at 6:00 pm, followed by a K of C rosary at 7:00 pm Sunday evening at the funeral home. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 am, Monday, June 27, 2022 at SS. John and Paul Catholic Church, 7777 West 28 Mile Road, Washington, MI with the Rev. James Houbeck officiating. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery.