I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
... Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Francis Guy Suo
Francis Guy Suo, age 83, of Iron River, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 20, 2023, in Duluth, MN. He was born July 1, 1940, in Duluth, MN, the son of Tauno “Donald” and Margaret (Armbruster) Suo.
Guy grew up in Iron River, where in between pranks and not getting caught he helped deliver a lot of fuel oil. After graduating from Iron River High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Guy served with honors from 1958 to 1964, advancing to the rank and position of Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class and earning commendations he didn’t talk about. After discharge from active duty, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he quickly fell in love with Katherine Maria Rautio. They were married on Friday, December 13, 1963. Friday the 13th should be good luck from now on, knowing the life they had together!
Guy and Kathy earned their Bachelors’ degrees in Education and Guy went on to complete his Master’s. After a few years teaching in Michigan, they spent their careers teaching in the Racine Unified School District. Guy taught social studies at William Horlick High School, in between pranks, not getting caught, and serving actively in the teachers’ union. In later years, he became the chairman of the social studies department and led his team with distinction. And pranks. And good parties. He spent his summers with Kathy and Franklin in Iron River, where they built their forever home on Twin Bear Lake. Guy loved Iron River and after retirement in 1996, became active in the community. He served in the Iron River Lions Club, and the Iron River Foundation for many years and was elected President of both organizations at various times. He was heavily involved in many Foundation projects.
He worked the Blueberry Festival for many years and judged the parade for several of them. He played a role in getting The Lakes, which has grown into NorthLakes, to build a community health clinic in Iron River. He was especially passionate about providing college scholarships to area students and took pleasure in reading their applications and essays. He often said education is the key to writing your own ticket. Guy also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, reading and traveling. Guy and Kathy were snowbirds in Orange Beach, Alabama for many good winters. Wherever they were, it eventually became the party spot for everyone who could get there. Guy also loved to work in his yard and garage, and to captain his pontoon around the Pike Lake Chain.
He is survived by his loving family: son, Franklin (Jennifer) Suo; grandson, Davin; brother-in-law, John; nephew, Johnny; as well as many other family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Katherine; mother-in-law, Irene Rautio; and his father-in-law, Arne Rautio.
Military rites will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the Iron River City Cemetery. A celebration of Guy’s life will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 PM on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the Iron River Community Center.
Arrangements are by the Frost Home for Funerals and Ashland Crematory Services.