Suzanne Lorraine Scholljegerdes

On July 23, 2020, Suzanne Lorraine Scholljegerdes passed away suddenly from a heart attack in her home. She was born on September 28, 1947. At 72 years of age, she was full of love for her family and friends. A lifelong Waseca area native, Susie was well-loved in her small town. Susie was the mother of four children and grandmother to six grandchildren. In addition to working a part-time job, remodeling her home, and traveling, she always made time for a three hour coffee visit. She looked forward to providing support and love for her family. She was a dedicated mother and worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for her kids and looked forward to caring for her grandkids.

Susie was a lifelong member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Otisco, a previous committee member, worker at ice cream socials, and a Sunday School teacher. Susie loved being busy at all times. She rarely took the time to rest and always put the needs of others first. She was always looking for her next travel adventure, home project, and listening ear. Susie grew up and worked on her family’s farm in rural Otisco. She graduated from New Richland High school in 1965 and then attended college in the Twin Cities where she received her Associates Degree. She returned to the Waseca area, married Harlan Gekeler in 1967, and worked on the farm managing the business all while raising four children. She was employed at Brown Printing for over 23 years in the Customer Service Department and Scheduling. Retirement wasn’t an option for her busy lifestyle so she took a part-time job at HyVee. Suzie made friends everywhere she went and enjoyed talking with friends and neighbors in the community.

She had a wonderfully dry sense of humor, loved traveling to new cities, camping, and taking care of her three cats in her home in Waseca. She is preceded in death by her father & mother, Willard & Bettye Scholljegerdes, and her brother, James. She is survived by her four children, Renee Schmidt (Steve) of St. Peter, MN; Cynthia Chelgren (Brent) of Edina, MN; Julie Van Den Bos (Mark) of Henderson, NV; and Andrew Gekeler of Farmington, MN; six grandchildren, Emile, Lexi, Ty, Alex, Jesper, and Jorgen. She is also survived by siblings Joyce Routh, Donna Jean Bauman, Carol Ann Matz, Patti Kalis and Amy Alvis, and her boyfriend, Randy Baumgard.

Susie’s favorite song was “Walk Of Life” by Dire Straights. Please join us in a celebration of the life of our beloved Mother.

Visitation will be held at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waseca on Friday, July 31, 2020, from 4-7 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Otisco with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at the Otisco Cemetery. The funeral will be held outside to accommodate social distancing requirements.