Susan Schouten, of Appleton, age 59, died peacefully at home following a battle with cancer on Thursday, October 22, 2009, with her family at her side. She was born on July 7, 1950, in Neenah, the daughter of Jacob and Eileen (Leiby) Wagner. On August 3, 1974, she married Joseph Schouten at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kaukauna. Sue graduated from Marquette University in 1972 Phi Beta Kappa. She was a social worker at the Manawa Nursing Home. Sue was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Wine at Nine, Fort Nightly, Stitch, P.E.O., TARTS and Travel Buddies.

Sue invited life, embraced its joys and unfailingly attempted to assuage its sorrows in others. Sue's center was her husband and two sons and the love of her parents, brothers, sister and daughter-in-law. Her life was buoyed by a wide circle of dear friends. Sue's life enriched the lives of all who knew her and loved her and she left to all the precious gift of the everlasting echo of her laughter. As one who fought and defeated cancer on two prior occasions, Sue lived the words, "Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'"

She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Joseph Schouten, Appleton; two sons: Joe (Stephanie) Schouten, Raleigh, North Carolina; Andrew Schouten, Tokyo, Japan; her father, Jacob Wagner, Appleton; sister, Linda (Peter) Van Beaver, Wilbraham, MA; two brothers: Jim (DeDe) Wagner, West Bend and Bob (Sandy) Wagner, Waupaca. Sue is further survived by her special friends Rolf, Maude, J.C. and Joan, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter Jenny and her mother Eileen Wagner.

The resurrection liturgy for Susan will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N. McDonald Street, Appleton. Father Gerald Falk will be officiating. Inurnment will take place with a private service at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Kaukauna. The family will receive friends on Tuesday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Irene Schouten Charity Fund c/o Bank of Kaukauna are appreciated.

Special thanks to Dr. Jack Anderson, Appleton Medical Center, especially emergency services, Father Gerald Falk and the Sisters of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, along with Rev. Gary Nokleberg for the care and compassion that you have shown Sue and our family.

Susan Schouten will be deeply missed by her loving family and friends, but each will remain forever blessed by Sue's presence in their lives. Sue will never leave our hearts and her absence will never diminish our love for her.

Wichmann Funeral Home

537 N. Superior St.

Appleton 920-739-1231

Online condolences

www.wichmannfargo.com