Michael E. Suden, D.D.S. died on December 25, 2023 at home in Wildwood, Mo. He was born in Chicago, Ill. on December 17, 1941 and was raised in Los Angeles, Calif. After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles, he attended dental school at Saint Louis University. After completing dental school he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and then returned to St. Louis, where he married the love of his life, Mary Elaine Langdon, in 1968 and established an oral-maxillofacial surgery practice in 1971 after completing his surgical residency at Columbia University in New York City. He retired in 2013.
Michael was passionate about his work as a surgeon and was ordained as a Catholic permanent deacon in 1997. He always focused on helping people in whatever ways he could, medically and spiritually. Deacon Mike's chosen motto was “Serve the Lord with gladness.” He was a gifted chef and photographer, spending countless hours both in the kitchen and his professional-scale darkroom over the years. He valued family above all else and made sure that all birthdays and anniversaries were celebrated appropriately. He loved God, as well as old movies and single malt Scotch (often together) and could mix a mean cocktail.
He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Annabelle Suden. He is survived by Mary Elaine, his wife of 55 years, and his children, Alison Sheridan (Bill), David Suden (Molly) and Gregory Suden Hillebrand (Evelien), as well as his grandchildren, Molly Fay Sheridan, James Suden Hillebrand, Jet Suden Hillebrand and Matthew Suden.
Visitation will take place at Kriegshauser West Mortuary, 9450 Olive Boulevard in Olivette, Mo. on January 3 from 4-7 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Bridget of Kildare, 111 W. Union Street in Pacific, Mo. on January 4 at 10 am. Donations to St. Vincent de Paul or Birthright would be greatly appreciated.
