Susan Edmere Krenzel

DARBY, MT - Susan E. Krenzel passed away in her daughter’s arms, surrounded by loved ones, in her mountain home on 1/8/2023, at the age of 77.  She passed away from the effects of Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Susan was born in Bismarck, ND on 11/29/1945 to Helen and Donald Tweed. In 1948 she contracted Polio, and her parents were told by the Doctor’s that she would not lead a fulfilling life. She would never walk, swim, drive a car, ride a bike, get married, or have children.  They were being heavily persuaded to institutionalize her.  Her parents, along with her own strong will and happy spirit, allowed her to be able to eventually achieve all those goals.  They moved to Taylor, ND, shortly after, where they ran the telephone company for Western ND, out of their home.  Susan had fond memories of helping run the telephone switchboard from the front entrance of their home.

In 1962 she married Leo William Krenzel.  They went on to have 4 daughters. Laurie Ann, Ronda Leigh, Carreen Catheryn (Katy), and Jeanne Marie.  They raised their girls in Richardton, ND.

Susan was a full time stay at home Mom and homemaker.  She loved caring for her daughters and taking special time to do things with them, that they loved doing together.

Despite being left severely disabled from the Polio, Susan had so many hobbies that dealt with the use of her hands.  She loved to play piano, crochet, cross-stitch, needlepoint, bake and paint ceramics.  She also loved to read books and poetry.  She had the desire to learn and took classes through DSU, learning about psychology and other subjects.  Susan loved classical music and had a special interest in Irish tunes.  She was a Civil War buff and would love to chat for hours about the battles, music, and facts.  She loved to travel and play cards, especially with her daughters.

Susan loved to attend mass at St. Mary’s church, in Richardton.  She and Leo saw to it that their girls went to Catholic school.

Susan had a huge soft spot in her heart for animals, especially cats.

In 2018, Susan and Leo moved out to Western MT, to live with Jeanne and her family.  They were both able to live out their lives in their new home, surrounded by stunning mountain views.

Susan is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her in-laws and a sister-in-law. Survivors include Laurie Ann Paulson (Michael), Ronda Leigh Johnson (Mark) and their children Olivia (18) and Luke (16), Katy Rott (Ben) and their daughter Katelyn (16) and Jeanne Wald (Michael) and their children Micah (21) and Opal (7).

Funeral Services will be held for Susan at the Assumption Abbey (St. Mary’s Church) in Richardton, ND on 6/23/23 at 9:30 am MDT, followed by a luncheon.  The burial will be held the same afternoon at 3:00 CST, at the ND Veterans Cemetery, in Mandan, ND.

The family suggest memorials to be made to: Battlefields.org – Civil War battlefield preservation and education, or Americanhumane.org – American Humane Society. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com