Suzanne was born on May 25, 1937 in Medford to the late Herbert and Thelma (Colbath) Bruegl. She was one of 11 children in the family, which included Herbert (Bud), John, David, Jessilee, Roberta, Rachel, Patricia, Jeanne, Janette and Lee.
Suzanne married the love of her life Harold Edwin Koester October 15th, 1955. Harold (HJ) and Suzanne were married for 53 years when HJ was called to his final resting home.
She attended Medford schools, graduating from Medford High School. Her marriage to Harold E. (HJ) Koester, who preceded her in death, took place on October 15th, 1955. Suzanne spent much of her early married life at home devotedly raising her five children. Later she worked as a dental assistant at two clothing locations in Medford, and at Scidmore’s Jewelry. Eventually she found her true calling, ending up at the Medford Area Senior High School, where she became known (mostly) affectionately as ‘the study hall lady’. Suzanne was also proud to be a “Police Commissioner” in Medford and before moving to Suamico was the President of the Police and Fire Commission. Suzanne was nicknamed, “The Comish” by many neighbors in Suamico.
Upon retirement to Suamico, Suzanne spent her days gardening, crocheting blankets, greeting (or taunting) her neighbors from her deck and watching the Packers & Brewers. Suzanne’s favorite spot was sitting in the front of her house on her deck. This had become a favorite gathering spot for anyone that wanted to sit and talk. She fell in love with her cat Daisy given to her by her granddaughter. She would often remark on how she was “Daisy’s” human…and Daisy was her “other” baby girl.
To know Suzanne would be to know 3 important facts:
1.) She loved her friends dearly and kept in contact daily.
2.) Suzanne loved people, she loved meeting new friends and would talk to anyone anywhere. A short trip to the Dollar Store or Gas Station could end up taking an extra 45 minutes because she would find someone new to talk to.
3.) Her grandchildren…were her life. She loved spending time with them and when living in Suamico, she lived across from two of them.
Suzanne is survived by her children Patrick (Sheree) of Richardson, Texas, John (Teri) of Green Bay, David (Jeri) of Medford, Randy of Suamico and Heidi (Marc) Lemke, of Suamico. Suzanne is also survived by 10 Grand Children Kristina (Darren Rivers) Sinopoli and Katie (Tim) Gauthier of Texas, Ariel (Tyler) Tokar Of Texas, Michael (Tina) Koester of Minnesota, Amanda (Adam) Keeling of Medford, Megan Koester of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Connor (Vikkimarie) Lemke of Neenah, WI, Alexis Lemke of Suamico, WI, Hayden Koester & Sophie Koester of Medford, and 11 Great Grandchildren, with the 12th due in December of this year.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincents Children’s Hospital (Child Life Department). 35 S. VanBuren, Green Bay, WI 54301 or mailed to: Heidi (Koester) Lemke 2718 Summerset Circle, Suamico, WI 54173. Please indicate “Child Life” in the memo if sending a check directly to the hospital. They also have a wishlist that can be found online https://www.stvincentchildrenshospital.org/Medical-Services/Child-Life/ in honor of her granddaughter Alexis.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake, assisted by Malcore Funeral Home of Green Bay, is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.
