She was born on June 11, 1948, in St. Paul to Robert and Patricia (Troje) Smith. She married Richard Hauwiller on September 19, 1970 at Sacred Heart Church in St. Paul.
Sue was a proud, lifelong Eastsider. Her first job was as a carhop at the Dari-ette. She graduated from Archbishop Murray Memorial High School in 1966. Sue then attended Anoka-Ramsey Community College and the University of Minnesota in pursuit of a teaching degree. She planned to become a teacher, but an opportunity with Ramsey County Human Services rerouted her plans and led to a 34+ year career with the county. She worked as a supervisor and was known as an excellent and trusted leader with a heart of gold. She further served her community through positions with District 2 Community Council and a Citizens Advisory Committee (CIPAC).
Sue never met a person she didn’t consider to be her friend. She loved bringing people together and welcomed everyone with open arms into her home. Her kindness knew no bounds and she had a way of making everyone feel special. She connected with her friends and co-workers and would remember them with birthday cards, texts and phone calls. She wrote many song parodies and participated in skits to celebrate her co-workers accomplishments.
Sue and Rich were part of a friend group known as the “tremendous ten” that enjoyed spending time together and cruised to many destinations. Sue had many lifelong friends that she would meet for lunch dates or shopping excursions. She would hunt for a good bargain and always had a stack of coupons in her purse along with many other “necessities”.
Sue had a wonderful sense of humor and could bring a smile to everyone’s face. She was quick witted, always had stories to share and could find humor in any situation. Sue had amazing observational skills and kept track of all doings in her neighborhood. Her attention to detail was also reflected in her coordinated, classy fashion sense including the appropriate lip and nail color for the season.
Sue loved spending time with her family and celebrating birthdays and holidays. The birthday celebrations always included the guest of honor’s favorite things along with a special plate and hat. The house was always fully decorated for holidays and Sue usually donned a festive sweater or vest. There would usually be an egg bake in the oven and a plethora of desserts.
She was very proud to be given the title of Grandma Susie and always knew how to get a giggle out of the grandkids. She attended their activities and was their biggest fan. The grandkids never left her house without an item from the treasure chest, candy or money.
She loved her daily drives with Richard around St. Paul to view the changes happening around the city, grab a latte at Starbucks and check out the deals at CVS. Sue enjoyed watching numerous game shows and was a formidable opponent with seemingly limitless knowledge. Playing board games with family and friends highlighted her creativity and competitive spirit. When she rolled a Yahtzee or won a game it was enthusiastically acclaimed!
Sue will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 52 years, Richard; children Jessica (Joe) Rumpel, John (Coventry McKay) and Rebecca (Chris) Zelgert; grandchildren: Ethan and Abigail Rumpel, Charlotte and Lincoln Zelgert; siblings Sandy (Rod) Enke and Greg Smith; in-laws, Carole Smith, Yvonne Hauwiller, Donna (Rich) Webber, Chris Hauwiller, Tom Hauwiller and Mary (Keith) Vinje and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dennis Smith.
A visitation for Susan will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wulff Funeral Home, 1485 White Bear Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 10:00 AM, visitation beginning at 9:00 AM at Church of the Assumption, 51 7th Street West, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102. An interment will occur Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 1:30 PM at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55450.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WulffFuneralHome.com for the Hauwiller family.
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