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Susan Smrekar Obituary
She was born on May 28, 1954 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Robert and Patricia (Greene) Chisel. In 1968, Sue moved to Babbitt, MN with her family and graduated with the class of 1972 from John F. Kennedy High School. Following graduation, she and her close friends went on the adventure of a lifetime and traveled all over Europe.
In 1991, she was joined in marriage to Michael Smrekar. Together they made their home in Silver Bay for many years before moving to Buffalo in 2018 to be closer to family.
While living in Silver Bay, she worked as an assistant control room operator at Northshore Mining in the Power House and was the first female to hold the position. She worked with dedication for 19 years until her retirement in 2008.
Family was the center of Sue's life. She especially loved the holidays, with Christmas being her favorite because it brought everyone together. She loved shopping and had a knack for gift – giving; each present was always thoughtful and personal. She loved being outside soaking up the sun, whether it was tending her flower gardens or walking the beaches when she and Mike would spend their winters in Florida.
Sue will be remembered not only for her strength and determination, but also for her warmth, kindness, and loving heart. She had a natural ability to make others feel cared for and valued, and her bubbly personality brought light to every room she entered.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Pat.
Sue is survived by her husband of 34 years, Mike; children, Eric (Amy) Ward and Leah (Mike) Schmoyer; stepchildren, Bob Smrekar and Steph (Neil) Mellesmoen; grandchildren, Kelsey (Wes), Karly, Katie, Colton, Brett, Annika, and Jace; one great-grandchild on the way; brothers, Andy Chisel and Jim (Patty) Chisel; and many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Sturges Park in Buffalo, MN.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sue's memory to one of the following: Allina Health Cancer Institute – Buffalo Hospital (Allina Health Cancer Care – Allina Health) Allina Health Hospice Program (Allina Health Hospice – Allina Health).
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Funeral services provided by:
Peterson Chapel – Buffalo119 Central Avenue North P.O. Box 397, Buffalo, MN 55313
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