With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Susan Jane Lewis, a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother and cherished friend., who departed from this world on March 29, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on May 29, 1949 in Menomonie, Wis., Susan’s early years were spent on the family farm outside of Boyceville, Wis. where she developed a love of animals, especially baby pigs, and a profound appreciation for nature which would stay with her throughout her life.
Susan had a special fondness for birds and loved feeding them with bird feeders or bread to ducks and geese or sea gulls. She was especially fond of watching eagles that nested just outside of her condo in Florida and seeing them in flight or gliding overhead. Her love of flowers grew into a passion for growing them and the beauty of her floral garden. Susan also very much enjoyed travels throughout the United States, Canada and parts of Europe.
On Aug. 8, 1970, Susan married her soulmate, James “Jim” Lewis in a ceremony at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie. They started their life together in Milwaukee and later moved to the Twin Cities area. They built a home near Prescott, Wis. where Susan greatly enjoyed the open country. They later retired to a town home in River Falls, Wis. Susan studied fashion merchandising and began her career in Milwaukee, later moving to Young Quinlan in St. Paul, then took time out to raise children, followed by working at J.C. Penney and Shopko.
Susan was a woman of many talents, but her greatest pride was being a mother and especially a grandmother to her cherished grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, James and her children, Adam (Jennifer) Lewis and Carey (Paul) Schiller and her adoring grandchildren, Katherine and John Lewis and Andrew and Victor Schiller. She is also survived by her sister, Judy (Ron) Pierson and brother, Valgene (Spring) Schutts as well as brothers-in-law Arvid Larson and Terry (Mary Ann) Lewis, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Susan was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Orville and Clara (Behling) Schutts and her sisters, Sharon Larson and Joyce (Stanley) Hicks.
To honor Susan’s life, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Ezekiel Lutheran Church located at 202 S. Second St. in River Falls. Friends and family will have the opportunity to pay their respects during a visitation from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17 at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 805 E. Division St. in River Falls and again from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Following the service, Susan will be laid to rest in Tiffany Cemetery in Boyceville, Wis.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ezekeil Lutheran Church, reflecting Susan’s enduring spirit of giving and her deep and unwavering faith in God.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral and Cremation Services.
