Susan Lee Delwiche

Susan Lee Delwiche of Minocqua died from complications of Multiple Sclerosis and sepsis on July 24. Before retirement, most recently she had been a US Postal Clerk and Carrier in Park Falls, though she resided for years in Springstead with her husband.

Susan graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, DC, in 1966. She subsequently continued her education in the Integrated Liberal Studies program at the University of Wisconsin - Madison where she met, and later married Reg Delwiche, a fellow ILS student. They were married in 1969 at All Saints Church, Chevy Chase, Maryland, before returning to school in Madison.

When Reg received a Teaching Assistantship for graduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Susan applied her undergraduate major in US history by becoming an historical archivist and reference librarian at the Western Historical Manuscripts Collection, the primary archival center for the State Historical Society of Missouri. With others, Susan organized the archival materials of prominent Missourians, including a former governor and a US Senator.

In 1975, Susan moved to Park Falls, where Reg had accepted a teaching position at Park Falls High School. After a short time, they moved to their "golden pond home" on Stone Lake in Springstead where Susan enjoyed many summers with the loons while fishing for muskies, bass and walleyes. Multiple Sclerosis forced Susan to retire in 1987, three years after the disease was diagnosed.

Susan is survived by her husband, Reg; brothers (Delbert Lee & Jaime Lee); and many nephews and nieces. Susan was preceded in death by her parents (Delbert and Mei Mei Lee) and by her brother, Bruce L. Lee.

MS was cruel, but it taught Susan to value so many aspects of life that are commonly underappreciated - delicate flowers, warmth from wood heat and the blessing of central air. Susan (and Reg) are so thankful for the collection of nurses, pharmacists, aides and doctors who helped Susan achieve a greater quality of life than she otherwise would not have experienced. A service to memorialize her kindness and courage will be announced in the future.

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