Adored wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Susan Sundlin passed away at home on Wednesday,March 22, 2023, at the age of 80. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mildred (Percival) Bibow, her sister, Mary Ellen McDonald, and four brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.
Born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, Susan went to grade school in Montgomery, Iowa, as the only one in her class. She graduated from Spirit Lake High School, St Joseph’s School of Nursing in Sioux City, and the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia. She was often recognized for being a caring and devoted nurse anesthetist at North Memorial Hospital for over 38 years.
After getting married on May 18th, 1968, Susan and Jim moved to Chicago. Later the couple moved to Coon Rapids and then Edina, Minnesota, for over 40 years. Susan was a devout Catholic who was an active parishioner of Epiphany Church and Our Lady of Grace Church. She moved back to Spirit Lake Iowa in 2012. Susan was a Eucharistic minister, provided support and leadership as a member of the Catholic Daughters, and for many years was a constant organizer with church fundraising activities. Throughout her life she served others through Meals on Wheels and donating to food pantries.
Susan and Jim loved to travel the world. She enjoyed staying active with skiing, hiking, rollerblading, and biking. She was also well known for her gardening, beautiful quilting and sewing talents. She will be remembered for her faith, gratitude, kindness, laughter, generosity, support, and the love she shared with everyone she touched.
She is survived and loved by her husband Jim of 55 years; sisters, Charlotte (Bob) Thoma, Sally Brennan, and Teresa Garvey; two sons, Michael (Colleen) and Mark (Megan), and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. A rosary was recited on Saturday at the church by the Catholic Daughters. Visitation was prior to the service at the church. Burial was held in the St. Margrat’s Cemetery in Spirit Lake. The Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Susan’s name and given to the St Mary’s Catholic Daughters in Spirit Lake.
