Robert "Bob" Lee Suter, 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Onalaska, Wash., April 1, 2021. Bob was born Dec. 18, 1958, in Spokane, Wash., to Harold Leon Suter and Joan (Benham) Suter.
Bob graduated from Tenino High School in 1977. He started working for Northwest Hardwoods in July of 1980. He intended to work there for a short time. As it turned out, he made it his career and he retired in June of 2020, due to health issues.
Bob went to the Thurston County Reserve Academy and graduated in June of 1991. He became a reserve police officer for the City of Tenino, where he served for two years. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes and quads, camping, and vegetable gardening. Most of all, Bob had a passion for wood working and he was quite the perfectionist at it. He took special pride in making furniture pieces for his family.
He also enjoyed country western dancing. He belonged to Boots-n-Buckles of Centralia from 1993 to 2005. He was part of the Demo Team for a number of years. He enjoyed going to different events, showing others how much fun it was. He met his wife, Kathie, in 1996, when she joined the group. They became a couple in 2000, and married in 2009.
Bob is survived by his wife, Kathie; daughter, Michelle Lohrengel of Onalaska, and granddaughters, Kiley and Kodi; son, Stephen (Corina) Suter of Tacoma, and granddaughters, Johanna, Phoenix, and Evelyn; stepsons, Brad (Alicia) Harmanson of Onalaska, and granddaughter, Brooklyn; and Kenny (Dahkota) Harmanson of Chehalis; stepdaughter, Cara Harmanson of Portland, and grandson, Colton O'Brien of Connell; his brother, Donald Suter of Olympia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan; his father, Harold; and his stepmother, Loretta; sister, Susan Suter; stepbrother, David Suter; and his son-in-law, Jeffery Archey.
Bob was a great father and stepdad, a wonderful husband, and a very loving Papa. The best seat in the house was Papa's lap. He is missed by all who loved him. We take comfort in knowing that he is at peace and working happily in God's woodshop. Per Bob's request, a private family celebration was held at his home in Onalaska, where he loved to be.
