surrounded by her loving family, after a four and a half year battle with lung cancer.
Susan Ann Bourgeois was born in Two Rivers, WI, on August 30, 1962 to Melvin and Rosalyn
(Wolter) and grew up in Mishicot, WI. She was married on July 24, 1993, to the love of her life,
Kim Hamilton. They built their lives together, living in both Colorado and Minnesota, where they
raised their three wonderful children.
Sue attended Mishicot High School where she pursued her love of music in both band and
choir, along with various smaller ensembles, and graduated with honors in 1980. Sue’s musical
journey began when she was five years old. One day, she came home from school, sat down at
the piano, and with no musical training, plunked out This Land Is Your Land, singing along as
she played. It was then that her parents realized the gift she had. She went on to attend college
at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, WI, where she majored in music and graduated with
honors. Over the next 36 years, she pursued her musical career with a passion that was
inspired by her Christian faith and a desire to bring joy through music to those around her. She
shared her musical talent in many ensembles, singing and playing in church, leading numerous
choirs, and teaching music in many schools.
Susan was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, several aunts and
uncles, and brother-in-law, Troy Hamilton.
She is survived by her loving husband, Kim, three
beloved children, daughters, Laura and Johanna, and son, Grant, all of Ramsey, MN, her
parents, Melvin and Rosalyn (Wolter) Bourgeois of Mishicot, WI, father- and mother-in-law, Ken
and Doris (Weakley) Hamilton of Alliance, NE, two brothers, David Bourgeois (Lukas Bagemehl)
of Sheboygan, WI and Thomas (Karen) Bourgeois of St. Cloud, FL, one sister, Mary Kay Reel
(Melissa Dupke) of Two Rivers, WI, two brothers-in-law, Dale Hamilton of Alliance, NE, and
Barry (Mickey) Hamilton of Denver, CO, many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and
great nephews.
The family wishes to extend thanks beyond measure to their beloved friends, Tim and Nancy
Kneefe, who have been a part of their family for more than 20 years and a major component of
her cancer care team. Nancy became Susan’s medical advisor, advocate, and driver utilizing
her nursing skills to document, educate, and translate the jargon and lead the charge as they
searched for effective treatments in the battle that was waged against the cancer. Tim was
Susan’s eloquent chronicler, sharing her experiences with friends and family through
CaringBridge. Special thanks to all of the faithful prayer warriors who kept a constant vigil for
comfort and healing.
A memorial service will be held at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church at 11:00 am, on Friday,
November 13, 2020, with Fr Paul Jaroszeski officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday,
November 13, 2020, from 9:30 am until the time of the service.
Please join us for a Luncheon following the service at The Mill Site - Events On the River at 111 Harrison St. in Anoka, MN. The Mill Site will open at 12:30 for guests. The staff will still welcome arrivals and serve coffee until the luncheon begins. The Mill Site can accommodate up to 250 and remain within Covid-19 guidelines. Please wear your mask and social distance.
The family would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the innumerable medical staff at the
Mayo Clinic who tirelessly searched for treatment options, provided compassion and care, and
offered support to Susan and the family, resulting in four additional years spent living life to the
fullest. May God bless you in your work to care for those in need.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Susan’s name to promote cancer research. Gifts
can be made to Breath of Hope, PO BOX 387, Wayzata, MN 55391, or Mayo Clinic, Department
of Development, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, designated for lung cancer research.
Susan’s family recognizes that those who would normally attend a funeral might not do so in the
current COVID-19 situation. Social distancing will be observed at the visitation and funeral.
Please wear a mask. The service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person. It
will be linked on St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church’s website at https://www.stkdcc.org/
