Service Information
Sue Ellen Dwyer, age 70, of Brownton, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague, Minnesota.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. with Prayer Service at 6:30 P.M. at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Memorials preferred to St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waconia, Minnesota.
Obituary
Sue Ellen Decker was born on July 4, 1948, in St. Paul, Minnesota. At the age of 4 months, she was lovingly adopted by Harold and Delores Decker. She was an only child for 10 years before a baby girl, Jane, joined the family by adoption. The following year the family adopted brothers Bob, Ray, and Tim.
Sue grew up in the Stewart, Minnesota, area surrounded by a large extended family which included numerous cousins, where there were always many unforgettable 4th of July celebrations held every year. She was baptized and later confirmed on May 15, 1959, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart. She attended St. Boniface Catholic School and graduated from the Stewart High School.
Sue married her high school sweetheart, Ken Dwyer, in 1969 at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart when he returned from his tour of duty in Vietnam. Sue and Ken then moved to Illinois. They were blessed with three children, Dori, Shauna, and Korey. They remained in Illinois where Ken was stationed and raised their family there. Sue and Ken were active in their church, school, and community. They made remembrance items for First Communion and Confirmation classes at St. Malachy School, where their children also attended. Sue and Ken were known to have coordinated numerous fundraisers for their school. Sue was involved in Girl Scouts and received the Girl Scout Leader of the Year Award. She took much pride in receiving such an award of distinction.
Sue graduated from the College of St. Catherine and eventually received her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. She found the type of nursing she loved most was working in home care and hospice. A highlight of her professional career was a private conference meeting with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist, a pioneer in near-death studies. Sue was proud to be a part of the first downstate hospice in Illinois. She was a member of the AIDS Panel at the University of Illinois Medical School.
Ken and Sue moved back to Minnesota in 1997. Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. She was involved in the Relay for Life McLeod County for a number of years. She was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church, the Gerontological Nursing Association, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 143 in Brownton. Sue enjoyed crocheting especially filet crochet. She held “diaper parties” at her home making diapers that were distributed to Guatemala, Liberia, and Haiti. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren and was sure to let others know about them. She was their biggest cheerleader and enjoyed attending their church and school events.
Sue passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 16th, 2019, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague.
Sue is survived by her Children, Dori Dwyer, Shauna Sokolis and her husband, Rich, Korey Dwyer and his fiancée, Alyssa; Grandchildren, Nick Sokolis, Emily Sokolis, and Charlie Dwyer; Siblings as well as their spouses, Keith Tongen, Helene Decker, Sherry Bazille; and her special friends in the stage 4 breast cancer support group at Abbott.
Sue was preceded in death by her Parents, Harold and Delores Decker; Husband, Ken Dwyer; Nephew, Jonathon Decker; Nieces, Melissa Decker and Shelly Tabbert; Sister-In-Law, Linda Maiers; Mother- and Father-In-Law, Sophie and Orville Dwyer.
Robert B Polzin says
It is sad to see such a wonderful person leave this Earth.
Jane M Tongen says
Bob,
Thank you so much for the special times you gave Sue.
Appreciate your contact at this time.
Jane
Linda Marti says
So sad to lose another classmate, one with a great smile.
Jim Grabow says
Another classmate gone. Always loved Sue Ellen’s smile & friendly disposition!
ERIKA HOVERSTEN says
You don’t know me, but Sue and I met when I worked at Town & Country Tire. She was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. So sad to hear about her passing. My deepest sympathy to the family!
Geri Johnson says
I am so saddened to hear the news of Sue’s death. I so enjoyed our time during our years together at the Relay For Life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Geri Johnson
Kathy Kirchoff Fabel says
My sympathies and love to each of Sue’s family members and friends. She was a bright light and an inspiration to us all – always smiling and laughing through her pain and many challenges. She faced it all with bravery and love, we will you, Sue. God bless you. (An S.H.S classmate)
Pat Schmidt says
So sad to lose a good friend. I have so many good memories growing up with her. Love, hugs and prayers to her kids and grandkids. She was so proud of you.
Jane and Gary Hensen says
While Sue lived in Rantoul, she was much fun and many laughs. So sorry to hear the news.
Margie & Milli Navara says
I had the chance to become better acquainted with Sue when she called and asked if I’d be interested in helping her make Diapers for the Missions. I was only able to go a couple of times, but, she was a ‘hoot’. So full of life and even if she was hurting, she always worked through it and made the rest of us feel better about the things we we’re dealing with. I’d see her when she came to St. Boniface for Sunday Mass and she would visit if it was a good day. She was truly an ‘angel on earth’ for those of us who suffer with chronic conditions. She was the brightest beacon whenever she was visiting. So, she is now the newest Angel for all of us. Love you Sue, you will be greatly missed.
Peggy DMeyer says
So sorry for your loss. What a kind and gentle soul your mother was!
Jan Ries says
My sincere condolences to Sue’s family. She was a special person and such a good friend through grade school and S.H.S. I was so glad to reconnect with her at our 50th class reunion and enjoy some old memories. Sue was a great nurse and provided kind and compassionate care to my father many years ago. God bless you Sue and may you Rest In Peace.
Jan (Richards) Ries