Susan K. Burhop

MADISON - Susan K. Burhop was called to eternal life on Monday, June 22, 2026, in the comfort of her home and surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on September 19, 1932, in Warren, Ohio to James Shields Keener and Ruth Emma (Artman) Keener.

Susan spent her early years on the family farm with her brother and four sisters. We cherish the many stories she told us about farm life and all the fun she had growing up. Susan loved swimming and served as a lifeguard in her younger years. She graduated from Leavittsburg High School in 1951.

On April 1, 1956, she married Carl William Burhop Sr. They lived in Sheboygan, Wis., and moved to Madison in 1963. Susan was a devoted wife and mother. She also worked at Berg Company and then WPS Health Solutions until she retired in 1994.

Susan was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church for 63 years. She enjoyed being a part of the Social Ministry Committee and working on events throughout the years. Susan truly lived her life in service to others and was a wonderful role model. Her neighbors often unexpectedly received a warm meal or plate of homemade treats just to brighten their day. Along with her husband, Carl, Susan also worked at her local polling place for many years.

Susan relished her time with family and friends. She was an avid reader, Bridge player and our Scrabble Queen. No Christmas celebration was complete without a round of Scrabble with Grandma. We all tried to win a few through the years. Susan had a magical way with her grandchildren. It was a joy to watch her spin a tale or read a book to her wide-eyed audience. She truly brought such wonder and light into our world.

Susan is survived by her husband of 70 years, Carl W. Burhop Sr.; and their children, Carl (Sue) Burhop, Dr. James (Lynette) Burhop and Sarah Burhop. She was blessed with eight beautiful grandchildren, Ruth (Dan) Bretl, Eric (Ryann) Burhop, Amy (Aaron) Osterbeal, Ann (Ryan) Schneider, Ashley Burhop, Carl Robert (Katy) Burhop, James (Ashley) Burhop and Rebecca Burhop-Butler. She was the proud great-grandmother of Owen, Emma, Jackson, Ben, Nathan, Maggie, Collin, Luke, Natalie and Harper.

She is further survived by her sisters, Elaine (David) Snively and Ann Lynn Leonard; brother-in-law, Bill (Janet) Burhop; sisters-in-law, Linda Keener and Barbara Burhop, plus many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth Keener; father- and mother-in-law, William and Dorothy Burhop; sisters, Barbara Maclaughlin and Elizabeth “Liz” Keener; brother, James Keener; brothers-in-law, Clarence “Mac” Maclaughlin, Robert F. Burhop and Bob Leonard; nephew, Bill Maclaughlin; aunt and uncle, Helen and Norm Held; and aunt and uncle, Clarence and Lorraine (Murphy) Lau.

Susan will be deeply missed by her family, friends and those whose lives she touched. We are grateful for the kindness, gentle care and guidance of our caregivers during Susan’s journey. Thank you Pastor Jeff, Jen, Alli, Marie, Ally, Megan, Michaela, Michell and Jenny. We would like to give special thanks to John and Carol, who became dear friends to Susan and Carl. They truly live their faith and have been such a blessing to our entire family.

A memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or Messiah Lutheran Church, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, WI 53716. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Spread me amongst the wildflowers so I may continue to bloom in the amazing surroundings of nature’s beauty. As you pass a field of wildflowers, remember me with love, and know I am with you always. My heart is full and I am at peace.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420