Sue Ann Hartwig, age 72 of Monroe passed peacefully on December 6, 2023, at SSM Monroe Hospital. She was born October 17, 1951 to Dean and Mary (Zerjav) Peterson of Brodhead. Sue was a known troublemaker in her elementary school years, making paper dolls during class when she ought to have been making sense of a slide rule. After graduating from Brodhead High School, the feisty Cardinal became a Warhawk, studying at UW-Whitewater and earning a degree in social work.
Always one to take on a challenge, Sue married Kim Hartwig in 1978. Together, they worked the High Road Dairy Farm, and Sue served the School District of Monroe in several capacities. She started as a cheeky lunch lady at Abraham Lincoln Elementary where she refused to wear a drab hairnet, opting for a different (often silly) hat every day to the delight of the students. She transitioned to a position in alternative education at the Monroe High School in the late 90’s where she helped to graduate scores of rabble-rousers who needed Mrs. Hartwig’s firm and loving guidance. She ended her career surrounded by books (and not just her beloved mystery novels) as she worked at the Monroe Public Library. During her time in the school district, Sue served as a fiercely proud union member, and she spent many years as the union president, a role that suited her firebrand soul.
In all the spare time she had, what with the schools and the farm and her family, Sue enjoyed embroidery, cross-stitch, and crochet. Crocheting afghans was a particular passion, and she passed many of them on to her former students upon their graduation and even to some for their weddings. Sue spent many years volunteering with the Hiawatha 4-H Club and the Green County 4-H program. One of her greatest joys was volunteering as a Master Gardener in Green County where she bred beautiful blooms and waged war on wanton weeds.
Sue has passed her torch on to her children, Nicholas Hartwig of Monroe and Angela (JJ) McLean of Brookfield, WI; her grandchildren, Meadow Hartwig and Tripp and Tadhg McLean; her brother, Dr. Sanford (Elizabeth) Peterson; her mother-in-law, Marilyn Hartwig; her sister-in-law, Wendy (Will) Pick; a niece, Rachel (Brandon) Johnson; a nephew, Andrew (Brandy) Peterson; three well-read grandnieces, Emma, Abby, and Maddie who adored their Great-Aunt Sue; many cherished friends, especially her ya-yas; and one surly mutt, Caesar.
With her passing, Sue has joined her husband, Kim; her parents, Dean and Mary Peterson of Brodhead; her infant sister, Donna Mae; and her father-in-law, Bill Hartwig who always delighted in the eye roll she gave him when he called her Susie.
Once upon a time, Sue said she would like a New Orleans-style send-off with a jazz band and dancing in the streets. Since it is December in Wisconsin however, the family is holding a private service. They encourage you to blast your favorite music though, and dance like Sue is watching.
Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.
