Joseph W. Sutschek, a longtime resident of Orchard Lake, passed away suddenly on September 1, 2025, at the age of 82.

Joseph was born on July 3, 1943, in New York City. He grew up on Long Island, N.Y., and attended Walt Whitman High School. A natural athlete, he played basketball and football, but lacrosse was his favorite sport. During his high school years, he worked in his father's machine shop on weekends and during summer breaks. After graduation, he attended Michigan State University, where he helped start the lacrosse team. He began his studies in engineering but discovered his passion in urban planning, which became his lifelong field of work.

While at Michigan State, who Joe felt was a match maker school, he met the love of his life, Ann. After dating for two years, they married on October 2, 1965. Three months later, Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army and assigned to Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. Following his training, he served a year in Vietnam.

In 1967, upon returning home Joe became the city planner for Royal Oak. He later advanced to city planner for Southfield, where he proudly served for 19 years in local government. During that time, he also earned his master's degree from Wayne State University. Joe then moved into private development, working as a shopping center developer with Ramco-Gershenson, where he remained until his retirement in 2011.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Ann; his brother-in-law, Dr. Ben Ridings of Farmington; his niece, Bonnie DeVito; cousins, Ettie Hirth, Larry Hewitt, Dr. Calvin Morris, and Mary Bannatz; and many dear friends. He was recently preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Keller.

Active throughout his life, Joe held leadership roles in the Amvets, the Orchard Lake City Planning Commission, the Optimist Club, and the West Bloomfield United Methodist Church. He especially enjoyed his weekly six-pack card games with his group of eight close friends. Despite the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis for many years, Joe remained upbeat, positive, and deeply appreciative of his outstanding caregivers. He loved people, and people loved him.

Joe will fondly be remembered for his spirited rendition of "five gold rings" during the Christmas Tree Trim Celebration at West Bloomfield United Methodist Church. This special man will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorial tributes are suggested to West Bloomfield United Methodist Church or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home on Friday, September 5, from 2-8 pm.

Joe's funeral ceremony is scheduled for Saturday morning, September 6, at 11:00 am (in state at 10:00 am) at The West Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 4100 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield.

A motorcade to Pine Lake Cemetery, West Bloomfield, for concluding prayers and military funeral honors, will immediately follow the church ceremony.

Kindly keep Joe and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.