Cover photo for Susan M. Weinkauf's Obituary
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1950 Susan 2022

Susan M. Weinkauf

February 2, 1950 — January 9, 2022

Susan M. Weinkauf, 71, of Alpena passed away January 9, 2022.  Susan was born to the late Archie and Violette (Szejbach) Lewandowski on February 2, 1950. 

After graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1968, Susan pursued an Associate’s Degree from Alpena Community College and went on to Western Michigan University, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in French.  She married Walter Weinkauf Jr. on July 28, 1972 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Alpena.

Susan – or “Tootie”, as she was known to her friends and family – was a kind, loving, and supportive mother, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend.  She found joy in doing things for others, always putting their needs before her own.  She was selfless to the end, and her only concern was for the comfort of others.

Susan was an excellent cook and enjoyed making delicious meals for her family.  She also loved watching European travel shows and dreamed of visiting one day.  When her rheumatoid arthritis prevented her from doing so, she made sure her daughter Jennifer did.  She took pride in teaching her daughter to love the French language.  She wrote little notes in French to Jennifer and godchild Kristen.  When times were tough, she often told Jennifer in French – Bon Courage! - (Be strong).

Daily phone calls with her sisters and nephew Zach, provided Susan with so much enjoyment.  For Susan, it was the little things that mattered most – Sunday rides in the country with her husband Walter, watching her daughter’s playful cat Bentley, and just feeling the warmth of the sun on her face.

After 46 years of enduring severe rheumatoid arthritis, she was always determined, no matter how sick she was. When anyone else would have broken, Susan stayed strong.  Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like.

Susan is survived by her husband, Walter Jr., and beloved daughter, Jennifer of Chicago, IL.  Three sisters also survive her:  Jayne (Mike) Cadarette of St. Petersburg, FL, Laura (Paul) Sylvester of Alpena and Mary Lewandowski of Alpena, brother-in-law David Lobel of Alpena, godchild and niece Kristen Cadarette of St. Petersburg, FL, nephew Josh (Sara) Sylvester and his children Emma and Jack of Alpharetta, GA, nephew Ben (Michelle) Sylvester and his children Charlie and Lyla of Cumming, GA, and nephew Zachary Lobel of Alpena.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Grace Lobel.

There will be a private family service at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Huron Humane Society of Alpena or Friends Together of Alpena.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.karpushuntercares.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Susan M. Weinkauf, please visit our flower store.

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