Susan Jane Skramstad

life story

Supportive and loving mother, grandma ("Dobby"), sister, friend and sponsor

"The best is yet to come, and won't that be fine? You think you've seen the sun, but you ain't seen it shine."

-Frank Sinatra.

Susan's Story

Susan Jane Skramstad passed away peacefully at the age of 78, on September 15, 2021, after 3 years of living with Multiple Myeloma. While her disease was physically debilitating, her strong mind, loving spirit, and capacity to remain hopeful never waned. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Powell (James), her son, J.J. Skramstad (Jessika Schlink), her two grandchildren, Stella and Charlotte Bauer, her sisters, Elizabeth LaPour and Catherine (Chase) Groos, as well as her roommate and friend of several years, Regina.

Susan was born on May 13, 1943, to Edward Baker and Dorothy (Sexauer) Baker in Des Moines, Iowa. Susan often told stories about her childhood, and was especially thankful for the happy memories with her Grandparents, Cecil and Elmer Sexauer. She spent many weekends and holidays with them in Brookings, South Dakota, at Green Lake in Spicer, Minnesota, and during their many travels to Florida, the Bahamas, and Europe.

After high school, Susan attended the University of Kentucky and the Ray College of Design at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. She loved art, fashion, beauty, nature, travel and adventure from an early age. She spent one year travelling in Europe in the early 60s, which was a healing and inspiring trip that allowed her time to reflect and heal after the death of her own mother in 1961 when Susan was only 19 years of age.

In 1968, Susan married Galen Skramstad in a ceremony in Brookings, South Dakota. They lived together in Marshall, MN where they raised a family together until their divorce in 1989. Susan was a loving wife and mother for the 21 years they were married. Together they embraced the blessings they were provided and adapted to the changes and challenges of business and family life. In 1981, Susan entered Hazelden Betty Ford Center to face her years-long struggle with alcohol addiction. That year she began a new life in sobriety, and like everything she whole-heartedly embraced, her life flourished. She continued to be active in the community of AA and Ala-non for her remaining 40 years, sponsoring and supporting many individuals struggling with addiction, or helping them to cope with addicted loved ones. Susan left this world 40 years sober. She helped and inspired many people during those years. She set an example for her children, friends and family (and even some random strangers and acquaintances) on how to overcome and live a full life, one day at a time.

Susan found strength and community in the many interests she pursued during her life. She loved racquetball and was proud to compete in the men’s league (and beat most of them). She was a certified aerobics instructor, and trained for and participated in four-hour aerobics marathons to benefit the American Heart Association. She was an avid biker, and during the summers she took daily 24-mile rides around Green Lake (“twice around,” she used to say) in Spicer, where she lived for many years. She introduced her children to boating, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, as she found solace in the outdoors. She became an educated real estate investor and rental property owner. She was also active in the Assemblies of God church in Willmar, MN. In 2005, Susan made her permanent home in Phoenix, AZ, where she lived for the past 16 years, traveling often to the Twin Cities to visit friends and family. She loved the desert – the light, red cliffs, and bougainvillea. And she especially loved wearing “flip-flops all year round.”

Susan’s most meaningful adventure in life was being a nurturing and supportive mother to her children. Susan’s favorite life adventure was being a grandmother (“Dobby”) to Stella and Charlotte. Susan brought her spirit of positivity, gratitude, and fun wherever she went and especially when she visited her granddaughters. She was generous with her time, her laughter, her makeup (and makeovers!) and zesty orange nail polish. She shared her love of ketchup on eggs (and on everything else), of Old Navy pajamas and “Good Morning America.” She brought Tootsie Pops, sat for “fashion shows,” and of course she shared her own love (and opinions) about fashion and shopping with her granddaughters. “Gucci is just ridiculous - you wouldn’t believe the cute things you can find at Forever 21 and Old Navy!” we can still hear her proclaim.

Susan’s family and friends will miss her smile and her “double-wave” greeting upon entering a room. She never let us forget that each day was a gift, and she always made us remember that we are precious and loved. And so was she.

memorial service

Celebration of Life and Memorial Service for Susan

A celebration of life and memorial is being planned for Susan's close family and friends to gather, share stories and celebrate her journey. The details will be posted here once they have been arranged.