Susan Soppe, 77, of Scales Mound, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.

Susan Margaret was born on May 8, 1947, in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Frederick and Winifred (McKenna) Smart. She was united in marriage to Anthony (Tony) Soppe on January 30, 1965, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Scales Mound, IL.

Susan was a woman of many talents and an extraordinary love for her family. She took pride in her roles throughout life, from being a master starter at Eagle Ridge to working as an aide for the Scales Mound preschool. Her passion for creativity shone through her work in antique shops in Galena and Shullsburg, where she delighted in helping customers find unique treasures and skillfully rearranging displays.

Susan took great pride in her yard and home, a place she cultivated with dedication and love. Her green thumb, talent for repurposing flea market finds into unique creations, and knack for constant rearranging made her home a warm and inviting place to be.

Holidays and family gatherings were incomplete without Susan’s home-cooked meals, featuring beloved recipes like hash brown casserole, sloppy joes, and an assortment of cookies. She especially cherished the time spent decorating Christmas cookies with her grandchildren, whose shenanigans always brought her joy. Susan’s love for seasonal—especially Christmas—decorating was unparalleled, transforming spaces into magical reflections of the season.

She also enjoyed little road trips, annual camping adventures, and visits to the Wisconsin Dells and Wisconsin Deer Park, both favorite destinations since childhood. She had a deep appreciation for history, from genealogy to Scales Mound collectibles, and loved sharing stories with those around her.

Her greatest joy, however, was always her family. Whether spending time with her children and grandchildren or preparing her home to welcome them, Susan’s love and care were constants in their lives.

Surviving are her husband, Tony, and their four children, Richard (Marie) Soppe, of San Antonio, TX, Pete Soppe, of New Diggings, WI, Bridget Brown, of Scales Mound, IL, and Matt (Nikki) Soppe, of Galena, IL; 10 grandchildren, Sean Soppe, Angelica (Michael) Kellner, Nick (Abby) Soppe, Elizabeth Brown, Scott Soppe, Leanne Soppe, Stephanie Soppe, Jessica Brown, Shay Soppe, and Abby Soppe; and the first great-grandchild, Cru Kellner. Also surviving are sisters Ann Knautz of Galena, IL, Mary (Kenneth) Koester of Scales Mound, IL, and Carol (Mark Stevens) Smart of Dubuque, IA, and daughter-in-law Connie Soppe and son-in-law Tom Brown.

Others surviving are Geraldine Long, Theresa (Tom) Kelly, Donna (Jerry) Manemann, Rita Mae (Larry) Colin, Barbara Prechodnik, Philip (Paula) Soppe, Jack (Jane) Soppe, Tim (Mary) Soppe, Karen Soppe, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, and father and mother-in-law, Jerome (Jerry) and Rita Soppe.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, chaplains, and staff of Finley Hospital for the amazing care and kindness given to Susan.

A visitation will be held at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home in Scales Mound on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Services will be held immediately after the visitation. Burial will follow at Scales Mound Township Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the Scales Mound Town Hall.

The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home is serving the family.