Susan A. Heder

August 3, 1941 – July 28, 2026

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Susan “Susie” (née Poczontko) Heder was peacefully born to Eternal Life at her home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the age of 84.

A Milwaukee native, Susie graduated from South Division High School and was employed at Line Material Company and later the Franklin School District. She married her high school sweetheart, Douglas, started a family, and enjoyed 51 years of adventure together. Vacations in Wisconsin’s North Woods, fly-in fishing in Canada, snowmobiling in Kettle Moraine, league bowling, camping, classic car shows, line dancing, country music festivals, and cruise travel were all part of the mix. Quieter moments with family and friends were equally important and took form in a Friday night game of cards, a Saturday afternoon of board games, or a cookout on the back patio. Susie loved hand crafts and enjoyed exploring area shows; she taught her girls how to crochet, macrame, paint, plant a garden, and make that special cake for school bake sale fundraisers.

A fiercely devoted mother and grandmother, Susie proudly attended recitals, concerts, sporting and pom pom events, Milwaukee Lake Band competitions, and graduations whenever possible. Her presence was a constant source of encouragement, pride, and unconditional love. She celebrated every milestone and quietly supported every challenge. We will miss her deeply.

Susie was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Douglas Heder; her parents, Joseph and Anna (née Stemplewski) Poczontko; her brother, Raymond Poczontko; her sisters, Ruth Poczontko and Lillian (Edwin) Petitjean; and other treasured relatives and friends who welcomed her home.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (Thomas) Rose, and Jeannette (Anthony) Tobin; and her grandchildren, Alyssa (Michael) Wield-Stawicki, Nathaniel Rose and Jacob Rose. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held at Max Sass and Sons, Westwood Chapel, W173 S7629 Westwood Drive, Muskego on Friday, August 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-Noon, followed by a short service and procession to interment at Arlington Cemetery. Reception details will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society in her name as a cancer survivor, or the American Heart Association.