Susan D. Schilling age 73 of Darlington, Wisconsin passed away Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Mineral Point Care Center surrounded by her family. She was born April 11, 1948 in Monroe, Wisconsin the daughter of Remfrey Sauer and Leah Sauer Barnard. “Sue”, “Susie”, “Grandma Suz”, “Suzer” graduated from Darlington High School in 1966. She was united in marriage to John Schilling on August 24, 1968 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington, Wisconsin. Susie, the eldest of 10, grew up on the Sauer farm helping raise her siblings. She attended a year of college at Platteville before marrying her high school sweetheart John and starting their family on the farm on Furnace Hill Road. Suzer did everything from driving tractor, feeding calves and raising a family along with working off the farm. She worked for Harold Crist at State Farm Insurance in Darlington and Lands’ End for many years. Sue also was a seamstress at the House of Veils and Gowns. She then began her entrepreneurial career as a business owner with her sister Kathy. Suz owned and was involved in multiple businesses including the Hen’s Nest and Sisters.
Sue is survived by her husband, John of rural Darlington; her three children, twin daughters, Diane (Steve) Kautz; Debbie “Darby” (Carl) Siegenthaler; and her favorite son Joe (Jen) Schilling, all of Darlington; five grandchildren that she adored; Paige (Jared), Trae and Reese; Ben and Sophie; granddog Jesse; nine siblings: Greg, Frank, Kathy, Polly, Peggy, Teddy, Jack, Leanne and Penny; her siblings in-law: Bonnie, Barb, Chris, and Bill; numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Remfrey Sauer; her mother, Leah Sauer Barnard; her twin sister Janice who died in infancy; parents in-law; Bob and Helen Schilling; sisters in-law Jane and Shirl; great nephew Carson.
She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish as well as many organizations to include: Homemakers, 4H Leader, Brownies Leader, Catholic Daughters, Hospital Guild, Friendship Fund.
Grandma Suz was extraordinarily proud of her kids and grandkids. She didn’t miss a sporting event, school program or chance to make her famous Christmas cutout cookies. Her special nieces and nephews also enjoyed her famous oreo cookie dessert.
She is famous for her incredible talent and creativity in sewing and crafting many things including Barbie and doll clothes, burp pads, pillows, baby quilts and t-shirt quilts. Suzie was the “go to” seamstress hemming and altering bridesmaid and wedding dresses, not to mention making beautiful garments including so many special dresses that her twins, special nieces and special granddaughters wore. She had a close group of gals that she made cards with. Susie loved to travel and was fortunate to see many parts of the world including: South Korea, Philippines, Italy, Mexico, Alaska and many states across the USA.
Suz was one of the sweetest, kindest, and most generous women you will know. She faced a lifetime of health challenges but fought each battle with strength and courage. She lived life fully wanting to be at every single event. Suz was fiercely loved by her husband, children, grandkids, siblings and large extended family. Susie was revered as a kind and special community-minded person. She will be extraordinarily missed, but we are grateful for the many extra years we had with her.
A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) with Rev. Luke Syse officiating. A visitation will be held Monday, December 27, 2021 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a rosary being prayed at 3:30 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Susan’s name.
Due to COVID-19, the family asks that all who attend the visitation and funeral wear masks and respect social distancing.
