Robert James Sutkay

Robert James Sutkay passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday September 21, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1933, in Flint, MI. The son of Joseph and Thelma Sutkay. He was a graduate of Flint Central high school and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Economics. He also was a member of the R.O.T.C. and served as an officer in the U.S. Army 1956-57. He married Marilyn Jean Lee on December 15, 1951. He went to work for Wickes Corporation and started out as a management trainee in Springfield, OH. He was later transferred to Portage Michigan where he managed a Wickes Lumber yard for seven years. In 1964 he joined several other former Wickes employees and formed the Wolohan Lumber Company. He then moved to Sterling, IL and opened the first Wolohan Lumber Company location. He later became an Area Supervisor for Wolohan and oversaw stores in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Bob was very active in the youth baseball and football programs. He helped to organize the local Jr. Tackle Football Program, acting as both coach and league president. Bob served on the local Salvation Army board for over 25 years. Bob loved to play golf and looked forward to the weekly golf day and annual golf trips he and Marilyn would take with their many friends. He also enjoyed going on Canadian fishing trips with his buddies. After retirement, Bob and Marilyn spent the winter months at the Villages in Florida.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilyn, son Robert Lee Sutkay, brother Ronald Sutkay, and special friend Charlotte Dumbauld. Bob is survived by brothers Joseph Sutkay of Greenbush, MI and John Sutkay of Grand Prairie, TX. Daughters Susan (Tom) Lamberson of Verona, WI, Julie (Steve) Desidero of Pewaukee WI, Sons Dale (Diane) Sutkay of Sterling IL, David (Alice) Sutkay of Roscoe, IL, Steven (Colleen) Sutkay of Yorkville, IL, 24 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren.

Visitation will take place at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, IL on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 4-6 pm. Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sterling. Services will be conducted by Pastor Katie Ricks of First Presbyterian Church at Schilling Funeral Home on Friday October 3, 2025 at 10am, followed by burial at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. A memorial has been established to the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling and the Salvation Army.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com