Susan K. Koel

Susan Katherine Koel (Shanley), age 81 of Manitowish Waters, WI and formerly of Amery, WI passed away on Friday, November 22nd at Villa Maria Health and Rehab in Hurley, WI, after a long and courageous battle with many complications from major surgery in January.

Sue was born on November 20, 1943 in St. Paul, MN to Bernie and Valeria (nee Rech) Pierce. A loving mother of four girls, she was the rock of our family. First and foremost, family was always the most important thing to her, and was always about family being together. As a single mom, she worked hard raising her young children, and worked many jobs to make ends meet. Besides being a stay at home mom, she worked nights as a waitress, became a real estate broker, and in semi-retirement, a bartender at the Buckboard Saloon where she made many lifelong friends. She moved from Inver Grove Heights to her own slice of heaven, a beautiful hobby farm in Amery WI, her happy place. She spent the next 35 years taking care of her many animals including chickens, pygmy goats, pot-bellied pigs, Gus the Goose, endless barn kitties, and her beloved horse, Buckshot. She was selfless, juggling farm life, driving into the cities for work and taking care of her mother before heading to her shift. She was a woman of many talents, an amazing artist, exceptional bowler, speed skater, and an excellent trap shooter. She and her daughters played together and made up half a softball team for many years. She loved hunting and fishing, horror movies, making and selling arts and crafts, and if there was a garage sale nearby, you can guarantee she would be there. The record was upwards of 120 in one day.

 One of her greatest joys were her grandkids, and great grandkids. Affectionately known as “Grandma Knuckles”, she didn’t let you get by with anything. She was tough as nails but loved big, and supported you no matter what. She loved when everyone would gather at the farm, taking grandkids on tractor rides, teaching them summer haying, playing endless rounds of competitive croquet and horseshoes… she loved to visit with family. She was crazy about decorating the farm for her favorite holiday with thousands of Christmas lights that you could see for miles around. She loved that place, but knew it was time to let it go. She recently moved to the Northwoods to be near her youngest daughter to a perfect for her, new home, where she would not have much to take care of except herself. She loved seeing her new visitor, Daisy the white deer, who would look into her window waiting for a handout. We had hoped she would be able to enjoy her new home for many years.

Sue lived a full life, and had the luxury of having her family always close by. We were blessed to have her as a mother, and grandmother, and she will be missed more than words can say. Our lives will never be the same. We are thankful that she is no longer in pain and now at peace, likely playing some 500 with other loved ones who have passed before her. 

Susan is survived by her daughters; Laura Violet, Lisa Lawrence, Julie (Rick) Peterson, and Amy (Joe) Karpenske. She will also be dearly missed by her ten grandchildren; Chris Merwin, Steve (Monica Xiong) Violet, Jake (Kelsey) Violet, Andrew Lawrence, Zach Robinette, Ben Robinette, Kyle (Beatriz) Peterson, Caitlyn Peterson, Connor Karpenske, Ryan Karpenske and her seven great grandchildren, Aryana, Cora, Flynn, Callum, Sutton, Sheppard, Conley, and “Baby Ace” on the way. Missing her greatly are beloved pets Chance, Mama Kitty and Booger Kitty. She is also survived by 1 st husband Tim Shanley, including many sisters and brothers-in-law, special cousin Judy (Crosby) Claffey, and many other friends and family.

Susan is preceded in death by her father and mother Bernie and Valeria Pierce, infant sister Judith, long-time companion Dan Patterson, son-in-law, Steve Violet, adopted brother Dick Moravec, special family Paul Serbanic and ex-husband Dick Koel.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls". 

The family would like to thank Villa Maria Health and Rehab for the wonderful care she received during her final months. Also special thanks to Liz, Natasha, Michelle, Dennis, Michael, Darrell, and Wesley at PAM Health, Wausau and Dr. Shaukat, Nurse Kim and Dr. Conde at Marshfield Hospitals. 

An informal gathering of love to celebrate Sue’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7th, from 11am-2pm at the Amery Community Center in Amery, WI