Susan Stelter passed away February 28, 2024, peacefully at her home in Algonquin, IL at the age of 83. Sue was born in Neenah, WI on November 19, 1940, to Wally and Vi Frakes. She grew up in Neenah with her older brother, Douglas and her older sister, Beverly. She went to the U of Wisconsin in Madison from 1959 to 1963 and graduated with a degree in Education and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
It was in Madison that she met her future husband, Jim Stelter, on a blind date. It was after she graduated that she and Jim were married in Neenah at St. Paul’s church on July 20, 1963. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2023.
Sue and Jim first lived in Elmwood Park, IL. Sue was first employed by the Elmhurst, IL school system and was a speech therapist from 1963 to 1967. When she became pregnant with her first son, Paul, Sue, and Jim then moved to Niles, IL where she raised Paul and 4 years later, son Steve. In 1977, Sue and the family moved to Palatine, IL and Sue attended Harper College and earned an associate degree in computer science. In 1979, Sue joined husband Jim at Motorola in Schaumburg. In 2000, after 21 years at Motorola, Sue retired as Human Resources Information Systems Customer Services Manager. After Jim retired in 2002, they moved to their new home in Algonquin, IL.
During their retirement, Sue and Jim enjoyed decorating their new home and traveling. Their travels took them to WI and VA to visit friends and family, group tours across the US, from CA to Maine, more exotic trips to Singapore, Hawaii, London, and the Bahamas and, of course, clothes shopping for Sue. They also enjoyed being volunteers at a local live theater.
Sue will always be remembered as an active, vibrant caring person. She took great pleasure in helping others, especially children. She would spend time during each year sale shopping for children’s items such as clothes and toys (especially dolls) ad then making a large donation to the local charity at Christmas time.
Sue is survived by her husband, Jim, their sons, Paul Stelter, Arlington, VA and Steven Stelter, Wheeling, IL, and her sister Beverly (James) Coenen, Neenah, WI. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Vi and Wally Frakes and her older brother, Doug Frakes.
A time of remembrance and celebration of her life will be held at the DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL 60142, (847)515-8772 on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Senior Lifestyle Solutions, 282 Memorial Court, Suite A, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 or to St. Croix Hospice, 185 Buckley Dr., Suite B, Rockford, IL 61107.
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I am so sorry to hear about Sue’s passing. I worked with her at Motorola in Schaumburg from 1983 to 1987. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was very welcoming to everyone. I know she was very proud of her family. My thoughts are with you all.
My wife Leda (Melone) Maggio also worked with Sue at Motorola, and they had been close friends thereafter, both at work and socially. It has been my great pleasure to also become friends with Sue and Jim after marrying Leda in 2001 - a wonderful couple! My heartfelt condolences to Jim and family.
So sorry to hear about Sue. So many find memories of meeting you in Eau Claire or Milwaukee for dinner. She will be missed.
I met Sue about 21 years ago when my husband Joe took golf lessons with Jim. The four of us became fast friends. For years we enjoyed restaurants, plays, library lectures, birthday celebrations and bringing in many a new years. About 5 years ago Sue told me of her memory issues. Sadly 3 years ago the effects of her dementia became very evident. That was the start of “my long goodbye” with Sue. You see, she was one of my dearest friends, and we called each other “sisters/friends”. It was so very heartbreaking to see this intelligent, kind and warm woman slowly fade away! Finally, several weeks ago, I went to say my farewell to her. As I stroked her cheek I whispered through my tears,” just let go my Susie”. God speed and much peace!
The world is a little less fun with the passing of Sue. I worked with Sue at Motorola for many years but was also fortunate to count her as a good friend outside of work. Her devotion to friends and family, her quick wit, easy laugh, her willingness to 'call things as she saw them' not to mention her amazing organizational skills and of course her ability to dress up an outfit with a scarf, made Sue a one-of-a-kind friend for sure! So, Sue....for all the fun times and fond memories I say 'thank you', may you rest in peace. (and may there be plenty of Barbie's in heaven)