Susan Anne Erdmann

After facing a sudden and brief diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, Susan Anne (Lorge) Erdmann, 64, passed away in her Grand Chute home on October 3, 2023, held by the immense love and warmth from her husband Dave, daughter Michele, and son Nick alongside his wife Britney.
Born March 16, 1959 to Harold and Ruth (Wilke) Lorge, Sue was the second-born of four, she was a sensitive, thoughtful, and compassionate daughter and sister. Beyond her classically midwestern childhood spent sandwiched between two rowdy brothers, and remembering the loss of her sister Amy, her time here was full in every way. From the second she swooned over Dave's white '67 Mustang Fastback to her final moments, she enjoyed everything life had to offer.
Married June 27, 1980, Sue spent the past 43 years keeping Dave and his shenanigans in line all while sharing a beer, cracking a joke, and making more memories with every passing day. From the all-hands-on-deck home improvement projects and Harley rides to get-togethers and recreating the Old Style beer logo by way of 124 pine trees planted in their own backyard, not a single moment could be described as dull.
Together, Sue and Dave raised, corralled, and cared for their two children, Michele and Nick. She made a home that burst at the studs with activity, excitement, care, and empathy. In typical Sue fashion, she somehow found more time and made more room in her heart when her kids married and had kids of their own. Her three grandsons, Alex, Caleb, and Miles, made her heart swell and her smile light up. She loved them more than can be imagined.
On top of the bustle of raising her family, Sue gave all she could to her career and community. Along with dedicating years to Thrivent Financial, Sue carved out hours to give back to those around her. Sue volunteered with the Hortonville Music Boosters, Outagamie County 4-H, B-Square 4-H Club, and Special Olympics while serving as a member of the area management team.
With Sue, her door was always open. The cookies were always baking. The cribbage was always competitive. Family, friends, neighbors - Sue was a constant for anyone needing an ear to bend, a shoulder to lean on, or a Rice Krispie log for the next big party.
Though much too soon, Sue has reunited with her parents, Hap and Ruth, as well as her younger sister Amy, who've all paved this path before her.
She's survived by her husband Dave, daughter Michele Franchini, son Nick Erdmann and daughter-in-law Britney Erdmann, her three grandsons Alex Franchini, Caleb Erdmann, and Miles Erdmann, brother Mark (Patti) Lorge, brother David (Diane) Lorge, cousins, nieces, nephews, and more friends than could ever possibly be counted.
Join us in remembering Sue on Wednesday, October 11, at a showing from 4 – 6 p.m at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond St, Appleton, with a short service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please hold your loved ones close and share your favorite memory of Sue with them.
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