Richard Leonard Suderman

Richard Suderman of Portage la Prairie passed away May 17, 2026 at the Portage General Hospital.

Richard was born November 13, 1948 in Winnipeg to parents John and Sarah Suderman. He grew up working on the family farm near Niverville with his siblings, then continued the farming tradition with his first wife Agatha and their three sons. He oversaw a dairy operation in Niverville, a chicken and mixed grain farm in MacGregor, and a potato operation in Gladstone. Other work over the years included construction, painting, and building and operating a community of nine apartments in Portage la Prairie. His most recent project was remodelling a cottage at Pleasant Valley.

A lifelong learner, Richard enrolled at Canadian Mennonite University after his farming days ended, studying theology, conflict resolution and international development. He then put his studies, farm experience and desire to help the less fortunate into practice over the next several years in Guatemala. Projects included working with a women’s co-operative running a soy milk manufacturing facility, evaluating agricultural projects for World Vision, and training people on a small experimental farm.

Richard loved to travel, especially in the last several years with Ruth Brownridge. This included a train trip throughout Mexico, visiting Guatemala, Arizona and Iqaluit, and spending summers at Pelican Lake. A particularly special trip involved hiking a portion of the Camino de Santiago through Portugal and Spain.

Some other interests of Richard’s included cooking and canning, bike riding, walking, making stained glass, studying the Bible, and learning about Mennonite history.

Richard was predeceased by his parents John and Sarah, brother Mark, and granddaughter Samantha.

He will be remembered by his three sons: Mike (Serena), granddaughter Lydia (Kaiden) and great-grandaughter Josephine; Steve (Jess), granddaughter Lena; and Chris (Darlene), grandchildren Sarah (Steven), Zoey (Jared), Olivia (Wade), Rayner, great-granddaughter Oakley; siblings John (Ann) Suderman, Jerry (Kathy) Suderman, Rosemary Vogt, Sharynn (Vern) Friesen; extended family members and friends, and beloved partner Ruth.