The Reverend Father Don Suberlak, C.R.

The Reverend Don Suberlak, C.R., 89, died peacefully Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

His life began November 6, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, one of eight children born to Casimir, Sr., and Irene Suberlak.  As he was growing up, Don attended grade school and high school in Chicago until his family moved to Three Oaks, Michigan in March of 1952.  He was drafted for the Korean conflict in March of 1953.  After serving honorably in the U.S. Army, in September of 1957, the twenty-three-year-old Don entered the Novitiate of the Congregation of the Resurrection in Winnetka, Illinois and then entered their major seminary in St. Louis, Missouri in May of 1959.

On March 7, 1967, after seven years of studies of the arts, sciences, and theology, Father Don was ordained in St. Louis Cathedral by Cardinal Joseph Ritter.  For fifty-six years, he was blessed to serve his order, the Congregation of the Resurrection, in various capacities – high school teacher, mission director and pastor – in various places, including Chicago, Illinois, Montgomery, Alabama, Panama City, Florida, Burlington, Ontario, Canada and finally at St. Mary of the Assumption in Three Oaks, and St. Agnes in Sawyer, Michigan.

Father Don will be greatly missed by family, friends and parishioners.  He is survived by his sister, Elaine Snyder of Wheaton, Illinois; sister-in-law, Peggy Suberlak of Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Anne Marie Uslan, Regina Koziel; brothers, Casimir Suberlak, Jr., Kenneth Suberlak, Robert Suberlak, Anthony Suberlak; sisters-in-law, Darlene Suberlak, Sylvia Suberlak; brothers-in-law, Richard Koziel, and Howard Snyder.

Family, friends, parishioners, fellow religious, and priests will gather Tuesday, July 18, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until time of the Rosary at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 28 Ash Street West in Three Oaks, Michigan. 

Father Don will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Three Oaks following the Mass, where he will be accorded full Military Honors. 

Memorial Contributions in memory of Father Don can be made to The Congregation of the Resurrection, in care of Brother William Hallas, St. Joseph the Worker House, 3601 North California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618-4602 or to St. Mary of the Assumption or St. Agnes, both at 28 Ash Street West, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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