Susan R Weinkauf

Susan Weinkauf, a beloved member of the Wausau community and a loving mother, peacefully passed away at her home on October 13, 2023, at the age of 90. She lived independently on her own terms, until her very last day. She left a lasting impact on all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

Susan was born on April 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Thomas Allen and Catharine Louise (Edwards) Rogers. She graduated from Milwaukee Downer Seminary in 1951 and was a member of the Service Club of Milwaukee. She spent the 1951-52 academic year at Smith College in Massachusetts and graduated with a B.A. in art history from University of Wisconsin Madison, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority, in 1955. 

Susan married her college sweetheart, Donald Edward Weinkauf, of Wausau, Wisconsin, on August 18, 1956. After living in Missouri and Virginia while Donald was commissioned as an Army Lieutenant, Don and Sue settled in Wausau in 1958, where they soon welcomed Catharine ("Katie"/"Kate") Louise in 1959 and Sarah Jane in 1960. 

Susan embraced life in Wausau and made many cherished, life-long friends through numerous activities and organizations, including "Newcomers Club", "Pot-Luck" group, Junior League, P.E.O. (a philanthropic organization), Brownie and Girl Scout leadership, Highlanders Curling Club, Bridge (ultimately "Bridge-less") Club, Garden Club, Antique Study Club, and Koo-Koo Kanoe Club. She also spent many years as a sales associate at Younkers (initially Pranges) department store.

A consistent focal point for Susan was St. John The Baptist Episcopal Church, where she served as Chairwoman of St. Martha's Guild, devoted her time to Altar Guild, taught Sunday School, participated in Study Group (including two days before her passing), and was an active member of the congregation. 

Susan was also devoted to the arts. She was a long-time docent at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum; designed and made many hand hooked wool rugs; was an avid knitter (leaving a large pile of recently-knitted hats ready to be donated to those in need); had a knack for interior decorating, especially incorporating antiques and various unique pieces; and oversaw countless art projects with scouts and her daughters over the years. She was also an avid gardener with a "green thumb," and loved exploring art and culture through travel across the United States and the world and, later, by taking in lectures at the Wausau Historical Museum and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.

Susan had a special bond with her numerous dogs (even remarked upon by her mother in her baby book), treating them with the love and care of a devoted mother.

Susan will be missed by her daughters, Catharine Welytok (Daniel) of Bayside, WI, and her children, Rachel Norante (Pietro), Bradford Boylan, and Sarah Anderson (Mark) of Chicago, IL, and her children, Evelyn Anderson Irwin (Paul), Caroline, and Elizabeth, and great-grandchildren, Oliver and Finley Norante and Louise Irwin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, in 2019, her parents, and her brother, Thomas.

A memorial service will be held on November 18, 2023, at Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 330 McClellan St., Wausau WI, Father Samuel Cripps officiating. Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to https://www.brainardfuneral.com/obituaries/susan-weinkauf

In lieu of flowers, Susan has requested that donations be made to St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, the Humane Society of Marathon County, or the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.

May her memory be a blessing.