On Oct. 20, 2009, Suzette "Susie" Lucille Matis went to heaven to join her heavenly Father. There, she joins her earthly father, Norbert, as she begins eternal life. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family after an inspirational and spiritual-filled bout with cancer at the age of 64.

She was the eldest child of Norbert and Dolores Bergs of Cassel (Marathon). She was born Sept. 1, 1945, in Wausau. She graduated from Marathon High School in 1963. She held several jobs during her life, with the most recent being Krueger Floral and Kwik Trip, Store 356, in Schofield.

On Oct. 8, 1966, she married Harold, the love of her life, in Cassel (Marathon) to begin their life as one. Prior to their marriage, they built a home that they shared their first day of marriage until the day of her death.

Suzette is survived by her loving husband, Harold, of 43 years; a son, Chad (Amy) Matis, Marshfield; and two daughters, Rachel (Kevin) Voeltzke, New London, and Laurie (Joseph) Ramsey, Winneconne. She is also survived by her mother, Dolores Bergs of Cassel (Marathon); four sisters, Sister Paulette Bergs, Wausau, Roxann Bialecki, Merrill, Maxine (Lee) Beach, DePere, and Juliann Bergs, Green Bay; five brothers, Frank (Debbie) Bergs, Rowlett, Texas, Peter Bergs, Cassell (Marathon), Tim (Sue) Bergs, Baraboo, Bill (Mary Jo) Bergs, Janesville, and Mark (Jane) Bergs, Edgar; eight grandchildren, Bailey and Carson Matis, Marshfield, Samantha Matis, Tyler and Tucker Voeltzke, New London, and Angelica, Joseph and Leonardo Ramsey, Winneconne; and a special angel and friend, Sue Breit, Mosinee.

Suzette grew up as the eldest of 10 children on her parent's farm. With the teaching of her parents, she did barn chores, drove tractor for the field crops and gardening. She became very skilled at canning, baking, and repairing and making clothing. She made many memories with her brothers and sisters as caregiver, going fishing, playing ball and just being there for them.

She became very active in her local 4-H Club, where she excelled in sewing, gardening, cake decorating and craft projects. She was a 4-H Club leader more than 30 years, mentoring youth and teaching her God-given talents.

She loved polka dances at the former Poplar Tree Ballroom and Rib River Ballroom with her school friends, Dorothy S., Joan W. and others. It was at Poplar Tree she got to know Harold, who later became the love for her life. Harold always referred to Susie as a home executive on any paperwork that needed her occupation. She always balanced family time, work and had time to participate in organizations.

The joy of her life was her family. With no regrets, she temporarily left the work force to fulfill the requirements of Chad's adoption process. Her three children were involved in 4-H and lots of school activities. She always could be counted on for help with homework or to be their supporter at functions.

During her marriage, she became very active in St. Paul's Parish serving on the Parish Council, Fellowship Breakfast coordinator, lector and Eucharistic minister, religious education teacher, Family Life Committee chair, Focus for engaged couples, Ministry of Prayer chair and Fall Fest chair. To be qualified in these areas, she was a Diocesan lay formation and leader of prayer graduate. She also had courses in scripture, Old and New Testament, and Magisterium of the church.

During this time, she became very active in Parish and Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. At the parish level, she held numerous offices including president. At the Deanery level, she progressed through the officer chain including president. At the Diocesan level, she held all offices, including president, and served on numerous committees, including auditor, community concerns, budget, scholarship and grants, by-laws, AIDS quilt and the Renaissance team. She was able to be a representative at nine national conventions around the United States. While serving on the various committees, she achieved many goals to assist youth and underprivileged around the world.

Her respect for the clergy was evident by her rapport with Bishop Raymond Burke, Bishop Jerome Listecki, Father Donald Przybylski and other area clergy. During her illness, it was a gift from above to get a call from Bishop Listecki, Father Don or a personal visit.

The high point of her career in D.C.C.W. was being awarded the Our Lady of Good Council Award for Region 1 in 2006, which was given at the National General Assembly in Milwaukee. The area she represented was the Midwest Region (Colorado to Michigan) with only three being awarded at a time. The criteria for this award held high requirements such as "a woman who has served as an outstanding model of service to others in ministry."

Through all this, she was Harold's right hand in his Knights of Columbus involvement. She kept the calendar straight so things would be done on time. She was blessed when her family was selected as the Knights of Columbus Diocesan Family of the Year three times and state Family of the Year once.

Through all this, she cherished her grandchildren. She had special bonds with them as "Grandma." Teaching them how to make cookies, sew blankets, can vegetables, etc. She wished she had more time to teach them as her earthly time was coming to an end. She loved the hugs and kisses.

This Christmas, Suzette wanted to go to a water park for all to enjoy even though she would be an angel watching. With the help of Harold's co-worker Dawn Ringquist's letter to Kwik Trip and Mr. Zietlow, Christmas came early for the whole family. She was so appreciative of all this.

During her recent months, she looked forward to visitors, calls and cards. She opened and read each one and kept them close by.

Darling, Mom, Grandma, you will be loved always. You loved and cared by your example. Your spiritual love and belief in God was an inspiration to your family and friends. We will miss you, but know God will take care of you.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Donald Przybylski will officiate. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, where there will be a rosary lead by P.C.C.W./St. Monica's Society at 6 p.m. and a parish prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will be again from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to Dr. Onitilo and staff at the Marshfield Clinic Oncology Department for their efforts to give Susie a cure and good quality of life. Very special thanks for the superb care Susie and her family received from Ministry Home Care Hospice Services of Stevens Point/Wausau. Gina, Stormy and Dawn were excellent, compassionate, and informative as they assisted our family. Finally, all the caregivers who cared for Susie while Harold worked or needed to be somewhere. The time you gave Susie will be remembered by all of us and especially Sue B., Juliann, Maxine, Charlotte, Debbie O., Julie D., Carol, Sister Paulette and Jean.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Suzette's name may be directed to the family and will be used for St. Paul's Parish Building Fund or D.C.C.W. and/or cancer research.