Theodore Susen

MISSOULA - Theodore C. “Rod” Susen died peacefully at home in the presence of his wife Jamie and seven children, Monday, Feb. 16, 2009.





Rod was born May 6, 1924, in Chicago, to Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Albert Susen.





He was a graduate of Fountain Valley Prep School in Colorado Springs, Colo., and a 1948 graduate of Dartmouth College.





He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1943.





After college, Rod joined the family textile dyeing business, Phoenix Dye Works in Chicago, founded by his grandfather, Mr. Anton Susen in 1896. As the company grew, Rod was given the major responsibility of relocating the company’s manufacturing facility from Chicago to Cleveland. This transition was successfully completed in the summer of 1958.





In 1960, Rod and Jamie moved their family to Missoula in search of new opportunities. Rod decided he wanted to pursue his interest in building materials and established Reserve Street Builders Supply. The company flourished until 1978, when it was sold. In retirement, Dad followed his passion for traveling with his wife and also volunteered at Hospice of Missoula.





Rod is preceded in death by his parents Theodore A. and Laurette C. Deschamps Susen; and his brother George B. Susen.





He has a surviving sister Mary Huber in San Diego; and brother and sister-in-law, John (Mary) Susen in Stevensville.





Survivors include his loving wife Jamie (June Marie); three daughters, Martha (Ed Flume), Mary and Chris; and four sons, Theodore (Antonia Wolf), David (Lisa), Mark (Lana) and Peter (Denice). Rod has one grandson Sam; and eight granddaughters Nicole, Emily, Anne, Kelly, Caitlin, Stephanie, Helena and Olivia.





Memorials can be made in honor of Rod Susen to St. Patrick’s Hospital Foundation, Life Flight Fund or to Partners Hospice of Missoula.





A Mass to celebrate Rod Susen’s life, his family and friends has been scheduled for 11a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at Christ the King Church, followed by a reception for Rod in the lower center.






Read Theodore Susen's Obituary and Guestbook.