Sue Jeanette Gruetzmacher

The world lost a joyful melody on August 21, 2025, when Susan “Sue” Jeanette Gruetzmacher, 87, passed away at Rennes Health & Rehab in Weston, Wisconsin. Born on February 19, 1938, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Wilbert and Irene (Glasel) Zastrow, Sue’s life was a harmony of faith, family, and music.

Sue graduated from D.C. Everest in 1956, and on June 13, 1959, she married the love of her life, Daniel H. Gruetzmacher, at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau. Zion Lutheran is a special place for the Gruetzmacher family—a place of treasured memories and deep faith. Within its walls, the family celebrated weddings, baptisms, holiday services, and the tender farewells of loved ones who were called to their heavenly home. In moments of both joy and sorrow, the grace of their Savior has sustained them there. Sue and Dan often laughed together that their marriage began when Dan “traded a sack of potatoes for Sue’s hand,” a story that never failed to bring smiles to those who heard it.

Sue worked for GTE for 25 years before retiring in 1993, but her greatest legacy was not in her career—it was in her devotion to family and her lifelong passion for music. With Dan by her side, she became a beloved figure in “The Concertina World.” Through Gruetzmacher Music Sales, Sue helped musicians across the country find their sound. She carefully preserved the Henry Silberhorn catalog, kept the music community connected through countless festival mailings, and coordinated the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame banquets for more than 20 years. For her tireless dedication, Sue was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989, a recognition that reflected both her love of music and her gift for bringing people together.

Sue’s zest for life was infectious. She could be found on the dance floor at a polka festival, on a bus trip to a concertina gathering, or at a card table laughing with friends. She delighted in puzzles, reading, fishing, and traveling. Wherever she went, she carried music in her heart and joy in her smile. Above all, Sue cherished her family, her friends, and the music community that became a second family to her.

Sue is survived by her devoted husband, Dan; daughter-in-law, Colleen Gruetzmacher (Todd Marquardt); grandchildren, Jason (Leslie) Kronstedt, Kayli (Ian) Bentzinger, Alex Gruetzmacher, and Cameron (Elyse) Gruetzmacher; and great-grandchildren Logan and Brody. She is also survived by her sisters, Sandy Schneider and Kay Boone; her brother, Ron Zastrow; her brother-in-law, Gene (Denise) Gruetzmacher; and sister-in-law, Ava Greutzmacher-Thick.

A most joyous reunion occurred as Sue was reunited in heaven with both of her children, Debbie Kronstedt and Jeff Gruetzmacher, along with her grandson, Adam Gruetzmacher, who preceded her in death.

A funeral service for Sue will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 N 6th St. Wausau, starting at 11:00 AM with Rev. Steven Gjerde officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. A lunch will take place following the service. Interment will be in St. James Cemetery, Town of Pine River, following the meal.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Sue’s niece for her many acts of kindness, from bringing meals to faithfully checking in and keeping a loving eye on Dan. Her care was a source of great comfort and strength. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Rennes Health & Rehab and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

Though Sue’s earthly song has ended, her music continues in the hearts of those who loved her. Her life was a dance, a hymn of faith, a polka filled with laughter, and a testimony of love that will never fade.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.ascendweston.org.