Loving daughter, sister, friend and Aunt Susie to many, Susan Oliver passed away on Dec. 25, 2025, at her sister’s home in Rosemount, Minn.
She was born on July 14, 1952, in Tucson, Ariz., to Gordon and Jeanne Oliver. At the time of her birth, Gordon was serving in the United States Air Force, and Susan’s early years were shaped by frequent moves and new experiences as the family lived in various places around the world. These early years instilled in her a lifelong curiosity and a deep love of travel. She was soon joined by her sister Phyllis and brother John.
After the family settled on a farm in Kendall, Wis., the household grew to eight with the addition of younger sisters Mary, Laurie, and Jane. As the oldest of six children, she naturally assumed the role of a second mother to her younger siblings, who nicknamed her “Sarge.”
Susan graduated with honors from Royall High School in 1970 and continued her education at Rock Valley College in Rockford, Ill. Susan then joined the United States Air Force, serving both at home and abroad. Her nickname “Sarge” proved prophetic. Following in her father’s footsteps, she earned the rank of sergeant while working as an Avionic Inertial and Radar Navigation Systems Specialist — a role that reflected both her intelligence and determination, as she was among the first women to enter this specialized field in the Air Force.
After completing her military service, Susan worked for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft before returning to Kendall, where she devoted herself to caring for her parents. Although she always loved to travel, she became deeply attached to the small rural community she called home. Her life of service continued as she served for many years as village clerk until her retirement. She also remained committed to her fellow veterans through her service as Adjutant of the Kendall American Legion. Susan never missed an opportunity to enrich the lives of her 13 nieces and nephews, taking great joy in being “Aunt Susie” a constant and loving presence in their lives.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Jeanne Oliver, and by her sisters, Mary Flock of Sparta, Wis., and Jane Oliver of Rochester, Minn.
She is survived by her brother, John (Julie) Oliver of Spring Green, Wis.; her sister, Phyllis Press of Pensacola, Fla.; her sister, Laurie Oliver Boyd (Ron) of Rosemount, Minn.; and a brother-in-law, Mark Flock of Sparta, Wis.; along with many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
Susan’s life mattered deeply. It was a life marked by service, responsibility, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to family — and she will be missed more than words can say.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 214 Spring St., Kendall. A visitation will be at the church at 10 a.m., and a light lunch will be served. Burial will be in the Kendall Cemetery.
Online condolences are available at https://epilogg.com/obituary/susan-oliver–rosemount-mn-55068-usa-16962.
