Suzanne Wallander

Sue was born on September 21, 1940, in the town of Cato, Wi., to Arthur and Honora Dvorak. She was the oldest of 7 children. She attended schools in the Valders school district, graduating from Valders High School with the class of ’58. Sue married her high school sweetheart, Allan Wallander, on August 17, 1960, and began a life that most people only dream about! After graduating from Silver Lake College with a degree in education, the Wallanders spent 2 years in Germany before moving to sunny California, where the weather was warm.

Sue is survived by her daughter, Shelly (Jeff) Petersohn, Woodstock, GA., two sisters, Nancy (Paul) Rameker, Maribel, WI., Janet (Richard) Brandes, Collins, WI., one brother, David (Jane) Dvorak, Wrightstown, WI., four sister-in-laws, Joan Dvorak, Manitowoc, WI., Candace Dvorak, Kellnersville WI., Laura Braun, Manitowoc, WI., Janice Wallender, Chandler, AZ., and one brother-in-law, Edward (Lucille) Wallander, Manitowoc, WI. She was recently preceded in death by her husband, Allan Wallander. Also preceding her in death were her son, Aaron Wallander, her parents, Art and Honor Dvorak, and 3 brothers, Dick, Jim, and John Dvorak.

From an early age, Sue loved animals and nature. She was in the 4-H Club and enjoyed showing animals at the County Fair when she was young. She also collected travel brochures while growing up, knowing that she would travel the world in her lifetime, and that she did! Allan and Sue enjoyed many family trips in their motorhome with Shelly and Aaron, as well as visiting countries all over the world. They visited all seven continents during their lifetime together. Their friends and family often told her that they couldn’t wait for their holiday card each year, to see the pictures of that year’s travels. She was an avid bird watcher, and at their home she had multiple bird feeders and a bounty of hummingbirds year-round. Sue’s 2 dogs, Chevy and Bella, were the light of her life.

Sue’s passion for teaching and learning was never ending. She continued her education, obtaining her Master’s Degree and also studying abroad in Spain one summer. While she taught her fourth and fifth graders in the Los Angeles School District.during the day, she also taught English as a second language at night. Many of her former students had kept in touch with her over the years, some of them becoming teachers themselves, and they always credited her with their career inspiration. When Sue retired, she volunteered much of her time at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, where she gave tours to field trip classes, and educated them on the different wildlife species they had there. She had a very special bond with her son-in-law, Jeff, who enjoyed nature as much as she did.

Sue loved living in a place with an abundance of theater venues close to their home. She and Allan had season tickets for multiple venues in the area, their favorites being the Pantages Theater, and the Hollywood Bowl, where they could enjoy a picnic before the show.

Sue was a kind, generous, and caring person who touched so many people’s lives. She truly was a special lady and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. A celebration of Sue’s life will be held on Saturday, August 12th at 1:00PM at Silver Valley Supper Club, 1222 South Alverno Rd, Manitowoc, WI. 54220, where lunch will be served.

May she be "forever warm" in Heaven!

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialpage&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=%5BB%5D+-+American+Cancer+Society&utm_term=american%20cancer%20society&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs5Oy26D6_wIVATiGCh3gdwgYEAAYASABEgKH7PD_BwE in Sue’s name.