Obituary: Susan Wischnewski

Susan Elizabeth Wischnewski, 62, of Esko, passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, after a brief but heroic battle with lung cancer. Sue was born May 3, 1961, in Grand Rapids, the youngest child of Robert Edward and Patricia (Wedl) Bailey. On Aug. 24, 1985, she married Joe Wischnewski.

Together they proudly raised their son, Andrew Wischnewski, and recently celebrated 38 years of marriage. Raised in Remer, where she spent her childhood, Sue graduated high school in 1979 and attended Itasca Community College, where she and Joe became college sweethearts. Sue earned her associate of arts degree and began her career at Ram Mutual Insurance, where she worked until her death.

Sue loved being a mother and could often be found in the stands or courtside for the various sports Andy played throughout high school. She welcomed daughter-in-law Taylor (Straub) Wischnewski to the family in 2017 and was delighted to become a grandmother with the arrival of Presley Jo Wischnewski in 2019. The sun truly rose and set on Presley as far as Sue was concerned. She was a frequent visitor and caretaker, where she gained the name she loved best of all: Deeta.

In addition to her immediate family, Sue was beloved by her brothers, sister, in-laws, nieces and

nephews, who all benefited from her unconditional love and support. She was likely the first person dancing at any family wedding and loved to laugh, often at her brothers' antics. Always patient with the little ones, Sue taught them how to bake pies as they stood on chairs, play dice and just be silly. Sue loved camping, gardening, traveling and running. Camping with friends and quick getaways to see family was a favorite activity. Joe and Sue's garden was prolific, and they enjoyed fresh fruits and vegetables for months because of her efforts in the kitchen. An avid runner, Sue won first place in her age division in the Moose Lake Run as recently as May 2023.

Sue belonged to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, serving in various capacities and ministries. Sue's faith was everything to her and regardless of the battles she fought the last few months of her life, that faith remained steadfast until the end. Sue knew that the worst is not the last and that she will be reunited with her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother John Bailey; sister-in-law, Judy Bailey; and brother-in-law Dick Bittle.

Sue is survived by her husband, Joseph Edward Wischnewski of Esko; son and daughter-in-law Andrew and Taylor Wischnewski, and one granddaughter, Presley Jo Wischnewski, of Eden Prairie; brothers Bill Bailey (Angie) of Queen's Creek, Arizona, Dan Bailey of Beverly, Massachusetts, and Jim Bailey (Carlene) of Vancouver, Washington; sister, Peg Bittle of Grover Beach, California; and in-laws who loved her like she was their own, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, and 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service Monday, Nov. 20, all at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Esko. A light lunch will follow the service. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.