Susan “Susie” M. VanAuken

Susan “Susie” M. VanAuken

Cedar Rapids

Susan “Susie” M. VanAuken, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital. Visitation: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, with Rosary starting at 7 p.m. Memorial Mass: 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, with Visitation an hour prior to service. Burial: 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Susan M. VanAuken was born on Sept. 2, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Broeckert) Tiernan. She was united into marriage to Dennis VanAuken on Dec. 21, 1986.

Susan worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines for four years. She then worked as a Pharmacy Tech at Hy-Vee Drug Town on Mount Vernon Road for 30-plus years and was known by colleagues and customers as Sue.

Susie was a loving and caring person who would engage in a conversation with anyone and in a short period of time, they experienced her caring manner and her true interest in the person she was talking to. She loved helping people but did not want to be in the spotlight.

She was a wonderful hostess and loved entertaining friends and family. She loved to plan and prepare meals and enjoy the conversations.

She had a strong faith and a love for family and friends. Many have shared how much they love her and will miss her presence.

She and her soul mate (Dennis) enjoyed the outdoors at their getaway fishing and enjoying the beauty of nature. It was the simple things that made her happy. Spending time with friends and family, laughing, eating, taking road trips, and enjoying the company of others.

Susan is survived by her husband, children, Kerri VanAuken and Tim VanAuken; sisters, Janie (John) Macklin, Julie (Eric) Keen and Lori (Rod) Fiebelkorn; sister-in-law, Bonnie Tiernan-Ehrenberger (Frank); brother-in-law, Dick (Dianne) VanAuken; 20 nieces and nephews; and 14 great-nieces and -nephews.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jimmy Tiernan and Michael Tiernan; and sister, Patty McCalley.

Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Susan’s Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with her family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.