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Susan L. "Sue" Hefle

Susan Hefle Obituary

Hefle, Susan L. "Sue" 46, Lincoln, died Wednesday August 30, 2006. Sue was born in Milwaukee, WI, to Louis & Nancy (Woods) Hefle. Sue was an Associate Professor of Food Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and co-director of the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program (FARRP). Sue was author or co-author of more than 130 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals and many book chapters. In addition, she held two patents for analytical methods for aflatoxin. She served on numerous editorial boards, as a reviewer for a dozen scientific journals, and on grant-review boards for various government agencies and private foundations. Sue was active in a number of professional societies for food science, analytical chemistry, allergy, and immunology. She was named a fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in 2004 and a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in 2003. In 2000, she received the IFT Samuel Cate Prescott award – an award given to honor outstanding researchers. The assistance she provided to the candy and confectionery industry was acknowledged in 1999 when she was given the Marie Kelso Speaker Award. In light of Sue's research, the University of Nebraska awarded her the 1999 Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dinsdale Family Faculty Award. Sue was an avid bicycle rider and racer, having competed since the early 90's in road races, criteriums, and on the velodrome. She became a bicycle racing official in 1991, advancing through the ranks to attain the status of National Commissaire in 2006. Besides being an excellent judge, Sue's forthright personality and strength made her an excellent referee, a specialty more often dominated by men. Of the 1,500 cycling officials in the country, only 50 have made it to the level of National Commissaire, and only 19 of those are women. In the mid-90's, Sue, along with many others, was dissatisfied with the direction that USA Cycling was taking. She believed that more attention should be given to grass roots cycling and more support provided to junior and masters riders. Together with another Midwest cycling enthusiast, Nestor Evancevich, Sue started a new cycling federation, American Bicycle Racing (ABR). She worked with ABR as their Technical Director through August. Family members include father, step-mother: Louis & Mary Jean Hefle, Grafton, WI; brother, sister-in-law: Scott L. & Diane Hefle, Germantown, WI; half-brother: Dan Hefle, Hartland, WI; nephews: Nathan & Jacob Hefle, Germantown, WI; grandmother: Jeanette Kinnel, Glendale, WI; uncles & aunts: Paul & Tina Kinnel, Mequon, WI; Raymond & Sharon Hefle, Taylor, S.C. Sue was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy Hefle, and grandparents. Friends and colleagues across the U.S. and the world will mourn Sue's passing. A tribute to Sue's life will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2006, from 2 to 7PM at the Lincoln Firefighter's Reception Hall at 241 Victory Lane, Lincoln, NE 68528. In lieu of flowers, her brother requests that memorials be directed to the University of Nebraska Foundation on behalf of the Susan L. Hefle Memorial Fund, c/o Dr. Steve Taylor, FARRP, 143 H.C. Filley Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0919. Condolences or personal reflections may be sent online at www.go4milkshakes.com">http://www.go4milkshakes.com.'>www.go4milkshakes.com.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sep. 6, 2006.

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Scott Askegard

October 5, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with Sue in collaboration with the Biotech Company I was working with at the time in the mid to late 90's. Her research along with my companies collaboration lead to many commercialized immunoassays for the detection of food allergens the first being the Peanut allergen. I am sorry to learn of her passing.

Tony Flood

September 13, 2006

Sue Hefle was one of our most trusted and knowledgeable experts in the areas of food allergy, biotechnology and overall food safety issues. Most importantly, she was a friend. She will be sadly missed.



The entire IFIC family extends to the family and colleagues of Sue Hefle, our deepest sympathy and utmost respect.

Kurt Johnson

September 11, 2006

Sue was a valued collegue, but more improtantly, one of my best friends. She always looked a life and work with a positive attitude, and her determination and spirit has and will continue to be an inspiration for hundreds of us around the world.

Meena Oommen

September 10, 2006

As one of Sue's former PhD students I am privileged and honored to have known her and to have been mentored by her.I recall the numerous times she stopped me in the halls of FDST and asked me about my research-she frequently had her suitcase(s) in tow! Sue was also very compassionate-she was one of the people who comforted me with love, care and understanding 7 years ago when I lost a baby.I'll never forget her being there for me.

Even after my graduation she'd email me to check on me;she emailed me as recently as a month and a half ago and as usual asked about ME and not once mentioned what she was going through. Her personal strength, courage and discipline is one of the many legacies she left us. As a scientist,we have lost someone who helped establish the paradigm in the diagnosis and understanding of food allergies.Her dedication to FAARP was admirable; the high standard, thoroughness and quality that she expected from us has enabled those trained by her to give our work our very best.She always wanted us to do superior work and to still continue it after we graduated.I will miss her as a mentor and friend.Sue-I'm going to miss your emails and your humor.I am eternally grateful to have had you in my life as a friend and a teacher.

I'll never forget you nor stop loving you.

Jenny Scott

September 8, 2006

The food safety community has lost a real star - Sue was dedicated to protecting the allergic consumer but was pragmatic in her approach, ensuring that science prevailed. She will be missed.

Tom Trautman

September 7, 2006

Sue was a great friend and colleague. I will personally miss her very much. I hope the family will take comfort in the fact that she made a lasting impact around the world on food safety and, thereby, in the lives of countless unnamed consumers as well as many colleagues and friends.

Jim Rossman

September 6, 2006

To the Hefle family; I am sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

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