Susan L. Becker

Susan Lee Becker went home to her eternal rest, in the twinkling of an eye, gently and peacefully, on Monday, the 7th of August 2023.

She came into the world, the first-born daughter to Daniel and Rosemarie Becker, in Marshfield,

WI in 1959. The first few years of her life, she lived in the tiny hamlet of Sherry, where in short order, she became big sister to Debbie (Drake), the first of what would be three siblings.

Susan was a girl’s girl (you can never have too many Barbies) and quite the little fashionista. She developed a keen sense of style and would never outgrow her love of clothing, jewelry, and purses. Oh, the purses!! But… I digress.

The growing family relocated to Sparta in 1962, just before the birth of the third sister, Angela (Hughes.) The last sibling, a brother, Steven, came 5 years later. As one might imagine that little green house on Main Street was full of life and energy. As any typical first-born, Susan could be bossy and demanding, and wasn’t above juvenile treacheries to get what she wanted! In her defense, each sibling had their well-honed skills in subterfuge and sabotage to score personal victories. Alliances were made, then broken, then renegotiated again, while mother cooked and cleaned and pleaded for peace and harmony. Oh, the things they’d run to father with when he arrived home from work! Each was innocent, the others traitors and cads! Such was the life in a small house full of children with big personalities!

All four children attended St. John’s Elementary School (where behaviors were much improved.) Susan excelled in her classes and was an avid reader, dog and horse stories a personal favorite. Susan would cultivate friendships there that would last a lifetime. This is a pattern that would repeat itself as she collected companions and cohorts that would fill her life with love and laughter, right until her very end. Her circle of friends was one of her greatest blessings.

Susan was confirmed into the church and later graduated as Salutatorian. Sadly, she would lose her father shortly thereafter when he passed away unexpectedly. She rebelled by growing her hair long and straight (just like Cher) and her nails even longer. She graduated from Sparta Senior High School in 1978.

Susan was never afraid to work for what she wanted. She started her career as a teen, selling tickets at the old movie theater downtown, then at Schultz Bros Five and Dime. She worked a number of different jobs before landing at Northern Engraving, where she would stay for many years. The factory was hot and dirty, and she likened her friendships there as relationships bonded by shared trauma. Despite its difficulties, she left there with many happy memories and humorous stories. The same can be said about her years at Exopac in Tomah. After receiving her diploma in office management from WWTC, she found work at Flock’s Guardians and would remain there until her passing. She loved her bosses and coworkers like family.

Susan lived in Sparta her whole life, most of it in the same home she grew up in. She lost her mother, and, many would say, her best friend, in 2018. They’d shared many travels and misadventures. She never fully recovered from the loss.

Susan was kind and thoughtful and had a wonderful sense of humor and a huge heart. She always picked the perfect greeting card and never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or loss of a loved one. She loved country music, old movies, boat and train rides, leaf peeping in the fall, sunsets, moonrises, a good Grisham novel, and watching as the sky turned periwinkle with the coming of a good old-fashioned thunderstorm. More than anything, she loved children, especially her great-nieces and nephews. They were the apples of her eyes.

Susan leaves behind many extended friends and relatives, more than I can possibly name here. She will live on in our hearts and in our memories until we are all together again.

A memorial is planned for a later date.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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