OREGON - On Jan. 26, 2023, Sue Schwenn migrated from this lifetime, after courageously living on her own terms for the last three years with pancreatic cancer. (F cancer!) Born July 8, 1961 , the youngest of four children born to Hugh and Joyce (Schultz) Russell, Sue flew quickly from childhood sibling follower - she embraced the term "baby" sister much later in life - to full-feathered adult. Sue graduated from Madison West High School in 1979 and attended UW-Madison.

On April 9, 1983, Sue left the nest to marry Ben Schwenn and their almost 40 years of marriage were rich with love and mutual respect. They raised their two boys, supporting their participation in pedal pull, sports and school, all the while working around their mountain of toys, models and games. Throughout the years, especially the last three, Ben has been an incredible rock, helper, and unyielding caregiver for Sue as they both faced the struggles of a devastating disease.

Sue built her skills on a career path from Brooklyn State Bank to Famous Footwear/Brown Shoe to Covance/Labcorp. Her work ethic was remarkable, and her professional impact was both enormous and low key. Her dedication to and compassion for her co-workers and team members stood out. She always took requests for their favorite baked treats and made them for their birthdays. Amid her cancer treatments, Sue learned her department was being eliminated. Her first thought was for her team; how would they handle the news, the disruption, and find new career paths? She worried and worked, despite her health demands, to make their next moves successful for them. Sue's efforts were a victory for her team.

In the family, Sue was revered as the thoughtful gift-giver who always struck the right note; the saint with the enduring fortitude to drive her parents through Ireland; the unruffled hen who managed a house full of males; the cook and baker who could supply snicker doodles, cheesy potatoes, pecan bars, and other favorites for family events; the nature photographer extraordinaire with the patience to get the right shots and package them in the form of books and sought-after calendars. Sue's photography is always proudly displayed in every family member's home. Sue made it look effortless to work full-time, raise a family, manage her parents' finances, and say exactly what needed to be said to bring smiles and laughs to those around her. Holidays and reunions won't be the same without her.

Her love of The Mobile - their second, summer home near Montello - was proven by the weekend and vacation stays where she and Ben would hike, capture wildlife on film, and enjoy the squirrels and birds that flocked to their abundant feeders. Her love of waterfowl and conservation led her to become a member of Ducks Unlimited, where she was honored as a Life Sponsor.

Sue will be missed by all who knew her. The rest of the world has unknowingly lost their chance to love a quiet champion.

Sue is survived by her husband, Ben; sons, Derrick Schwenn and Brandon (Lindsey) Schwenn; mother, Joyce Russell; sisters, Elizabeth (James) Thomas and Sharon (Allan) Bricker; brother, Jay (Dana) Russell; sisters-in-law, Lisa Schwenn, Nancy (James) Outhouse, Kathy (Greg) Ninneman, Merry (Allen) Bachim and Tammy Schwenn; and brother-in-law, Timothy (Pat Erickson) Schwenn. She is also survived by a special cousin, Karl Duex, and his mother and Sue's godmother, Karol (Boots) Duex; as well as a flock of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Sue was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Russell; father-in-law, Gerald Schwenn; mother-in-law, Delores (Sally) Schwenn; brother-in-law, Thomas Schwenn; and brother-in-law, Daniel Schwenn.

A celebration of Sue's life will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.

Special thanks to the caring cancer team at UW Hospital who helped Sue and her family live with this relentless cancer. Additional thanks to the staff of Agrace, who provided hospice care.

Donations in Sue's memory may be made to Agrace HospiceCare and/or the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

Sue Ellen Schwenn

July 08, 1961 - January 26, 2023

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