Sue French

Susan French, 83, of Vermillion SD, passed away May 22, 2025, at the Centerville Care & Rehab Center.

Sue Muilenburg was born July 19, 1941, in Sioux Falls, SD. Her family lived in several towns, including Beresford, Howard, and Glenwood, MN, before settling in Sioux Falls. She graduated from Washington High School in 1959. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of South Dakota.

At USD, Sue was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and was active in numerous campus organizations. In 1960, she was named Miss USD and represented the University in the Miss South Dakota pageant, where she was a runner-up.

After graduating in 1963, Sue worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in the office of Congressman Ben Reifel. While in D.C., she married her college sweetheart, Rollie Winston French. Rollie was stationed at the Pentagon with the Armed Forces Courier Service, and their sons, Tom and Mike, were born during this time. Upon completion of Rollie’s military career, the family moved back home to South Dakota, making Vermillion their home.

Sue owned and operated French Real Estate, later Century 21 French Real Estate, for over 30 years. She served the community and mentored many aspiring realtors to success. As a business owner in Vermillion, Sue was active in the Chamber of Commerce & Development Company and was a dedicated supporter of Tanager Athletics and USD sports and fine arts programs. She served on the USD Foundation for many years and was instrumental to its historic growth.

Sue was devoted to her family, profession, and friends. Her proudest legacy was her beloved grandchildren: Mikaela French (Drew Ovshak), Shantel French, Tasia (Jacob) Peterson, and Rollie George French, children of Tom and Jenny; and Cooper and Bridger French, sons of Mike and Christine.

After the passing of her husband Rollie Winston French of 51 years, Sue found love again with Larry Brady. They married in April 2021 and shared joyful years creating cherished memories. Sue and Larry enjoyed winters in Arizona, where they played golf and attended musical shows. Their notable travels included trips to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Las Vegas. When Sue’s health declined, Larry devotedly cared for her every need, never leaving her side.

Sue was preceded in death by her first husband, Rollie; her parents Harry and Millie Muilenberg; her beloved brother Tom Muilenberg; in-laws Rodney (Sally) French; and Lee French.

Sue is survived by her husband Larry Brady; sons Tom (Jenny) French and Mike (Christine) French and grandchildren; sister-in-law, Liz Muilenberg; sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Patrick) Sullivan and Joann French; brother-in-law, Terry (Lindia) Brady; stepson, Sean Brady; and numerous adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on June 2, 2025 at 10:30am at The United Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USD Foundation or The United Church of Christ in Vermillion. HansenFuneralHome.com.