Alphonse Sulskis
Age 95, of Lansing, MI, passed away January 27, 2020 at home.
Al was born August 17th, 1924 in Binghamton, NY, to the late Stanley and Katherine Sulskis. In 1943 he was inducted into the United States Army. After basic training, he entered the Army Special Training Program, as a student of Engineering. By 1944 the demand for infantry outweighed the need for specialized personnel and he was assigned to the 99th Infantry Division. He was sent to Europe where he fought in and survived the Battle of the Bulge.
After the war Al attended Michigan State University on the G.I. Bill. In 1951 he graduated with a BS in Forestry. While in Michigan he met and married Wanda (Kujawa) Sulskis. Together they returned to his home state of New York where he worked in Forest Management. After 5 years they returned to Lansing to raise their family. Al was employed at the Board of Water and Light for 30 years.
Al was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Tracy, and sister Justine Cook. He is survived by his wife Wanda, daughter Leslie, sister-in-law Sophia Borzenski, nieces Kathy Cook (Chicago, IL), Jennifer Cook (East Lansing, MI), great-nephew Rostam Cook, and dedicated family friend Karl Ott.
Al always quoted General MacArthur’s farewell speech … “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away …” and so now all we are left with is his memory. We will always remember his desire to lead a simple life, his love of gardening and bird watching, his desire to preserve and protect nature, his passion for reading and learning, his keen intellect, the warmth he showed his friends and his deep love for his wife and daughters.
Al was buried Monday, on what would have been his 96th birthday. He was laid to rest beside his daughter, Tracy, with full military honors. A heartfelt thank you to those who have helped and guided Al and his family for the past 3 years. Thank you to Kali Green, Al’s adopted granddaughter, for your selfless gift of warmth, laughter, and support. A special thank you to Andrea Brown, Al’s precious caregiver, who never left his side and cared for him with the utmost love and dignity.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
7 Messages to “Alphonse Sulskis”
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Mary Anne Borzenski
January 29, 2020 at 9:39 amThe life of one we love is never lost … Uncle Al’s influence goes on through all the lives he ever touched. May you all find comfort in the many happy memories you share.
Love, Michael and Mary Anne and family
D. Clark
January 29, 2020 at 11:59 amWanda and Les
Al lived a wonderful, long life. He was blessed to have both of you with him always and to be lucky enough to be married to the Homecoming Queen. The Clark family has very fond memories that we share with your family from many years as neighbors and friends. From all of us, may Gods loving hand be on your shoulder thru this difficult loss. Dave and Jodi
Donna Oade
February 6, 2020 at 6:47 amWanda and Leslie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of this dear man. He was indeed fortunate to have the deep love of the two of you.
Much love to both of you.
Donna and Jerry Oade
Michael Green
February 6, 2020 at 7:44 pmOne of the “Greatest Generation”. Veteran of WWII and a soldier with the Army’s 99th Infantry Division which was engaged in the desperate struggle at the Battle of the Bulge, Al came home, studied forestry at Michigan State University, married his beautiful wife Wanda, raised two daughters, and worked hard all his life.
Always willing to give of his time, he never spoke ill of anyone. He was a true gentleman. He had a love of nature, gardening, selective cold beverages, good conversation, reading and family. He was strong in conviction with a kind and gentle soul. Thank you for your friendship Al! You’re in God’s graces.
Mike Green and family.
Kali Green
February 6, 2020 at 7:52 pmTo the man who was another grandpa to me,
Thank you for all your countless lessons. I’ll never forget the contagious smile you had on your face. Your famous remakes of songs and our goal to buy Leslies’ house after graduation will never be forgotten. Thanks for always sliding me a piece of candy when no one was looking, for making my day brighter, for the long walks around the “hood”, and for helping me study. I’ll keep practicing my leg lifts so that one day I can beat your high score.
All my love,
Kali Marie
Alex Green
February 6, 2020 at 8:37 pmSo blessed to have known Al and to have him, Wanda and Leslie be a big part of our family’s life. I remember celebrating his birthday just a few years back and seeing the joy he felt sitting on the front porch spending time with his loved ones. We will miss you Al but will never forget you. Continue to be the angel you are, looking down on Wanda and Leslie.
Mikey and Jaclyn Green
February 7, 2020 at 4:43 pmAl and Wanda taught me, at an early age, what it meant to be a loving neighbor. I will always cherish the times I could enjoy Disney movies and apple slices at the Cooper house! Mr. Sulskis was the neighbor that I strive to be. His memory will forever be in my heart. We love you Leslie and Mrs. Sulskis!
-Mikey and Jaclyn