Colleen Souther

Colleen "Susie" Lenore Souther, 87, of Crosslake, MN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 30 at Guardian Angels Assisted Living in Elk River. A celebration gathering will be held on Wednesday, April 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Saron Lutheran Church in Big Lake, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Susie was born to Jack and Betty Wilmar on November 25, 1928 in Brainerd, MN. She grew up in Brainerd and Washington State and graduated from Brainerd High School in 1946. She was united in marriage to William (Bill) Roosevelt Souther on June 10, 1950 at Hamline Methodist Church in St. Paul. Together they raised their family in Roseville and spent summers in Crosslake before moving there in 1981.

Susie enjoyed cooking, travel (Sedona for 25 years!), hiking, and the outdoors. She owned a women's clothing store in Crosslake for 13 years prior to retiring in 1994. Susie loved to entertain and spend time with family and friends. Over the years, she held many lively themed party weekends for lifelong friends and hosted many special holidays for family.

Susie is survived by Bill, her loving husband of 65 years; sons Bill (Liz) Souther of North Branch, MN, Steve (Sue) Souther of Big Lake, MN, and Greg Souther of Crosslake, MN; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings Joann, Stormy, Gayle, and Gary; sisters-in-law Shirley Souther and Joy McCleary; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Betty and brother Jack.

Her family wishes to give heart-felt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Guardian Angels by the Lake in Elk River and at St. Croix Hospice Care.