Susan (Millns) VanWagner's Obituary
The family of Sue Van Wagner invite you to celebrate her life with the joy and enthusiasm with which she lived. Born Susan C. Millns on March 29, 1950 to the late John Louis Millns Sr. and the late Elaine (Kurek) Millns, she passed on May 12, 2024 at the age of 74 years.
Sue met husband Norm Van Wagner almost 60 years ago on Vineyard Lake, MI where the two would eventually own the beloved family cottage that served as gathering place for family and friends since 1927. She and Norm raised two daughters between their homes in Michigan and Florida. Sue moved the family to Florida in 1983 to be closer to her siblings but never missed a summer at the lake. A devout Catholic, Sue's life was full with family, friendship, and service.
She attended Gesu Catholic Grade School and St. Ursula Academy High School and was a proud graduate of The Toledo Hospital School of Nursing. Sue went on to obtain certification as a Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health and after a battle with cancer became an oncology nurse. Nursing was a natural calling for Sue, and anyone who knew her would attest to her dedication and compassion in the field.
Sue's career was a natural extension of her love for people. One of her greatest joys in life was getting to know and care for friends, both new and old. At her retirement community in Florida, she created community amongst her neighbors, volunteering with multiple organizations and quick to assist anyone in need. In addition to her commitment to family, friends, and neighbors, Sue took a healthy interest in everyone she met and was always ready with a comforting word or sage advice.
Sue loved to contribute to any gathering and was known for her homemade pies and deviled eggs. She never missed a family birthday despite having an extended family spanning the country and at times, the world. The cottage on Vineyard Lake was central station for the opportunity to enjoy the wide range of friends and family who visited. A typical visit would feature time in or on the water, great food, hearty conversation, and endless games. Sue was a fierce game player and reigning family Scrabble champion. The family will miss her contribution to the daily Wordle competition as well as the regular Scrabble, Hand and Foot, and Dominoes battles.
Despite hating to fly, Sue would travel anywhere on the planet to spend time with her siblings, daughters, and grandchildren. Her visits took her from the Pacific Northwest to Southern California, China, all over Europe, and Japan. She even hiked through the Grand Canyon. Her adventurous spirit and love for people made every trip a joy. When she couldn’t be with her family, Sue regularly sent cards and treats as a reminder of how much she loved them.
Sue will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Norm, and her children and grandchildren, Tricia (Jennifer) VanWagner (Kale, Quin, Reid) and Molly (Gary) Petersen (Isaac, Gabriel); her brother, John (Jennifer) Millns Jr., and his children and grandchildren, Matthew (Lindsey) Millns (John Patrick, Colleen), Maureen (Chuck) Pollitzer (Charlie, Teddy, Nina), and Laura Millns; her sister, Nancy Ransom, and her children, Alex Brown, Tyler (Anna) Brown (Brooklyn), and Emily (Shea) Corzatt (Indy May); her sister-in-law, Cheri (Vincent) Honeywell and her children and grandchildren, Brent (Conice) Honeywell Sr. (Brent Jr., Carson) and Shelly (Kirk) Schelegel (Taylor, Paige). Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Mark C. Millns and Jeffrey G. Millns, and her step-mother, Sandy Millns.
Final arrangements are by Eineder Funeral Home in Brooklyn, MI. A Funeral Mass Celebration will be held on June 1 at 1:00 pm at Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd, Toledo, Ohio. Live streaming will be available for the service at gesutoledo.org. You are invited to share your memories or messages of comfort at www.einederfuneralhomes.com.
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