ELKHORN - Susan Rae Koenen-Russella, age 68, of Elkhorn passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Elgin, IL on April 17, 1956 to Phillip and Bonnie (O'Boyle) Koenen. She went to elementary & junior high school in Illinois and the family moved to WI in 1971 where Susan graduated from EAHS, class of 1974.
During her first stay in Elkhorn, Susan worked at The Crest and The Whistle Stop Pub, both family establishments. She also worked at The Elk Restaurant and remained friends with her co-workers until her passing. While in Las Vegas, Susan was the Controller's Administrative Assistant for Bally's Hotel and later opened Paris Hotel. During her second stay in Elkhorn, Susan was the Administrative Assistant for the Event Coordinator at Lake Lawn Resort, then Teacher Assistant for The Delavan-Darien School District. This last job was her favorite. She was absolutely beloved by staff, but most importantly the students.
Susan was happiest when she was with her family, particularly when they were visiting her favorite place; The Beach Cottages in San Diego. She was an avid walker and took her health very seriously. Her love for life, animals, kids and strangers was evident by her constant smile and open arms for all! Few can be compared to Susan. She's described by many to be kind, nonjudgmental and loving toward all... yes all!
Susan supported many nonprofit organizations. Even though she was a single mom raising 2 children she found time to volunteer at Twin Oaks Family Shelter and she was instrumental with ALL of the benefits associated with The Delavan Whiskey Ranch. Susan was always a behind the scenes volunteer. She had no desire for thank yous or recognition for her hours of giving.
Susan is survived by her greatest achievement, her children, Juliann Rae Russella (Stasha Brewer) of Janesville and Joseph Phillip (JP) Russella of Milwaukee and her brother, Steven Koenen, Shelly Hornstein (Barry), Shannon Koenen, (Ron Barron), and sister & primary caretaker, Stacey Koenen, all of Las Vegas, NV, her nephew Scottie Phillip Koenen, Hales Corner, WI, and loving cousins in WI and Illinois. Susan also leaves behind her Russella family & friends from Philadelphia Even after her divorce, ALL of her in laws remained very close and supportive of Susan and her kids. And... Her Turtle Creek Elementary School Family.
Susan is preceded in death by her best friend and little brother Scott Phillip Koenen (EAHS Class of 1975) and both parents, Bonnie Rae and Phillip Waldon Koenen.
Celebration of Life will be held at The Sprague Theater, (Lakeland Players Theater) Elkhorn, WI. at 12:30pm on Monday, March 24th and continue with a social gathering at The Whiskey Ranch, Delavan, WI, 2pm - 4pm.
Please do not send flowers. Family no longer lives in Elkhorn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Lakeland Players LTD Checks: LPL P.O Box 234, Elkhorn, WI 53121, Paypal: lakelandplayers.org@gmail.com.
Susan's sister Stacey was her primary caretaker, but definitely not her only... ALL of Susan's family and many friends were an amazing village of support and love during her two year journey with Alzheimers.
The family is extremely grateful for the knowledge, support and guidance of Jake Sawyer and the team of Aging & Disability/Health and Human Services of Walworth County and Lucinda Lester of Connecting Minds & Lake Geneva Memory Cafe! They were both advocates, teachers and friends with our entire family.
Lastly... Susan had many roles in her life. Her most import role was as "Momma" and her 2nd most important role was being the best sibling anyone could ever wish for her and they call her Tootie!
Please: Be Kind Like Tootie!
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