Susan "Susie" Klinkhammer

Susan (Susie) Klinkhammer passed away on March 19, 2026, due to complications from dementia. She was the eighth child born to Merlin and Evelyn Gasner in Owatonna, Minnesota on October 24, 1953. She was cherished by her two older sisters and five older brothers.

Susie attended Catholic schools and graduated from Marian High School in 1972. She married her high school sweetheart, David, in May 1974. Together, they raised three children and were blessed with six grandchildren.

Family, especially children, was at the center of Susie's life. She was a devoted mother and ran a daycare in her home for nearly 20 years. She later became a tutor in the Lakeville School District at Christina Huddleston Elementary, where she supported students in math and reading for 21 years. Struggling and troubled students were especially drawn to "Mrs. Klinkhammer." She earned their trust and helped them grow into confident learners.

After the passing of both her parents in 1991, Susie became the heart of her family, keeping everyone connected. She often joked that she had "forced" all of her siblings to love her back. Her humor and warmth drew many into her circle, and she was deeply loved by all who knew her.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Joanie Giorgio; her brothers-in-law, Don Giorgio, Randy Podein, and Ron Heidzig; her brothers, Robert and Thomas Gasner; her sisters-in-law, Pat and Dorothy Gasner, Pamela Heidzig, and Michele Wiegand; her mother-in-law, Vickie Klinkhammer; her father-in-law, Wayne Klinkhammer; her infant daughter, Stacy Anne; her niece, Jean Gasner; and her nephew, Dr. Kurt Gasner.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, David; her children, Melanie (Dan) Torgerson, Kristin (James) Gourde, and Scott (Beth) Klinkhammer; and her grandchildren, Sammy and Levi Torgerson, Josephine and Thomas Gourde, and Michael and Nora Klinkhammer. She is also survived by her brothers, Paul (Joanie), Sid, and Bill (Naomi) Gasner; her sister, Mary Pat Eastwood (Willy); her sister-in-law, Ilene Gasner; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Saint Thomas Becket Catholic Church, 4455 South Robert Trail in Eagan at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or St. Mary's School in Owatonna.

The family extends special thanks to the staff and leadership at Rivers of Life Memory Care in Eagan, especially Silvia Barrios, for their compassionate care and kindness.