Susan Michele Seiler

Susan Michele Seiler passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 9, 2025, in Evanston, Illinois, following over two years in hospice care with various health complications. She was 82 years old.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin, on March 3, 1943, Susan was the eldest of the eight Seiler children of Truman John Seiler II "Doc" and Marion (Hall) and was raised in the historic village of Greendale, Wisconsin, where her family was among the original residents of the village.

Susan is lovingly remembered by her children Stacy Ellis (Jim Ellis), Brian Rody, and Jeremy Docken (Zarina Natividad), and her cherished grandchildren Kevin and Tyler Ellis, and Grant and Jax Docken.

She is survived by her siblings Kerry Lukitsch, Penny Neeb (Mike), Pam Barker, Tad Seiler (Barbara), Tracy Schmus (Bob), and Kim Seiler (Laura), and was preceded in death by her former husband William Docken, sister Jill Greenway (David), her nephew Paul Lukitsch, brother-in-law Joe Lukitsch, son-in-law RJ Giacontiere, Jr., and her lifelong friend, Darlene Gill. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

A 1961 graduate of Greendale High School, Susan was a talented ballerina who trained under Esther Moody—anything dance and music remained one of her greatest passions throughout her life. After marrying her HS sweetheart, Dennis Rody, she returned to her birthplace of Madison with Dennis and briefly studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before choosing to leave school to focus on what was her greatest joy... raising a family.

Susan held a variety of jobs throughout her life, including at Wisconsin Electric Power Company, Ambrosia Chocolate Factory, and as a Tupperware dealer, where she hosted parties with great flair. As a single mother in Green Bay after her first divorce, she worked as a bank teller at University Bank and East Bank before moving back to Greendale, where she joined the Internal Revenue Service where she met her second husband, William Docken. After the birth of Jeremy, she moved to Waukesha, where she finally found the church community that she was desperately seeking at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church.

With her youngest becoming more independent she found a true calling in becoming Office Manager and Secretary at Christ the Servant, where she served faithfully alongside Pastor Rick Engen for over 25 years, among other roles such as a Deacon, Church Treasurer, and Youth Leader. Susan had a deep love for her church and faith having great joy in balancing budgets and checkbooks alike. Susan was also a longtime volunteer at the Hope Center of Waukesha, where she greeted guests from the front desk with the same kindness and energy she gave to everyone in her life.

Susan's commitment to love, acceptance, and advocacy made a profound impact on her community. Inspired by her unwavering love and support for her son Brian, she founded the Waukesha chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and served as its president for many years. She proudly marched in Milwaukee and Chicago Pride Parades, often carrying a sign that read, "God Blessed Me With a Gay Son, Amen!"

In recognition of her decades of advocacy, Milwaukee County declared June 10, 2016, "Susan Seiler Day". At that ceremony, Susan was honored for founding PFLAG Waukesha and for her tireless efforts to create a more inclusive community. She was praised for standing her ground during difficult times—including directly confronting violent protesters—and called her "a long-standing force for good" whose work has united generations and communities throughout Milwaukee County.

Susan will be remembered for her fierce compassion, quick wit, deep faith, and unconditional love for her family.

Though a formal memorial will not be held, Susan will always be remembered through the stories and memories she left behind. Friends and loved ones are welcome to share a favorite or inspiring memory of Susan on Legacy.com.