Susan D. Graetz, age 71, formally of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

Sue was born October 13, 1951 to Lester and Joyce (Weber) Hines in Red Wing, Minnesota.  After graduating from Ellsworth High School in 1969, she went on to receive her certification as an x-ray technician from the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.  After attending college, she married the love of her life, Charles Graetz on October 2, 1971 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ellsworth.  Sue held a few jobs before she landed her dream career at the Red Wing Hospital (now Mayo Clinic) where she worked as an x-ray tech for 38 years until her retirement in 2015.  Her true dedication showed when one year the spring flood had made the roads impassable, and Sue took a boat to work.

Sue was a wonderful crafter and created many treasures for her family with her needle point, crocheting and most recently painted unique rocks that she gifted to her grandchildren, friends and family.  She was an avid reader and kept a journal of the myriad of books she read.   Sue also had various collections thorough the years that included Harley Davidson and Packer memorabilia, a mini shoe collection, and a moose collection that began after a trip to Alaska.   Sue enjoyed golfing, cooking a variety of soups for her family and a good old rum and coke.

Together, Charlie and Sue lived their life to the absolute fullest.  With Sue not being keen on flying, they enjoyed countless Harley Davidson trips.  The memorable ones being an especially chilly spring trip to North Carolina and of course, to Sturgis.  They took numerous four wheeling adventures and always cherished when family and friends would drop by their Turtle Lake home on the way “up north”.   Charlie and Sue recently embarked on wintering in Arizona where they welcomed new friends and appreciated exploring the magnificent Sonora Dessert and its picturesque saguaro cactus.

Sue will forever remain in the hearts of her adoring husband of 51 years, Charlie; sons, Trevor and his wife, Taryl, and Troy and his wife, Amber; five grandchildren, Maya, Hank, Brinklee, Brita, and Hattie; eight siblings, Joe (Judy) Hines, Betty (Dennis) Nelson, Alan (Sheila Harsdorf) Hines, Dean (Becky) Hines, Dale (Julie) Hines, Wally (Lisa) Hines, Wanda (Butch) Kinneman, and DiAnn (Jim) Fuchs; in laws, Mike (Darlene) Graetz, David Graetz, Pat (Steve) Gilbertson, Phil (Becky) Graetz, Joe (Mary Jo) Graetz, Peggy (Joel) Hase and LeighAnn Graetz Kelly along with many beloved nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Joyce Hines; parents in law, Leroy and Margaret Graetz; sisters and brother in laws, Karen Graetz, Sharon (Huppert) Hines and Jim Graetz.

Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Ellsworth, Wisconsin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday November 9, 2022 with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A reception to follow. To watch Mass please follow this link –> LiveStream for Susan Graetz

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Ellsworth, Wisconsin.