Suzanne Sullivan "Sue" Jacobus

Suzanne "Sue" Sullivan Jacobus entered this world on April 20, 1936, at home in Cleveland, Ohio, the 5th of 6 children of the Sullivan family.

She cherished her parents, Margaret "Peg" (Wilhelmy) and Frank C. Sullivan, and her siblings, Father Sean, Joan (Jim Livingston), Kaki (Dave O'Neill), Pat (Jack Schriner), and Tom (Sandy nee Simmons). Though she was the last surviving member of her generation of Sullivans, she took solace in knowing that future generations would carry forward the same love, humor, spirit, and generosity that defined their family.

Sue was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she was a Delta Gamma sorority member and a finalist for prom queen. Her campaign slogan, "Be Choosy, Vote Suzy," was cleverly printed on Wrigley gum wrappers. A dedicated student, she might have achieved an even higher GPA were it not for a particularly challenging five-credit geology course. Among her first and closest friends were Maureen Hall and Barbara Lexer, whose companionship brought great joy to her college years.

A single blind date with John "Jack" Jacobus at the Cuba Club in Madison changed the course of her life. In a note discovered among Sue's keepsakes, her friend Barbara reflected, "Jack was the most polite, well-mannered, respected, and low-keyed man - but I wasn't sure he could handle you." As it turned out, he could - and he did.

On September 6, 1958, six months after that fateful meeting, Sue and Jack were married. Their wedding day unfolded like a scene from Sue's favorite film, Heartburn - a touch of jitters, a little drama, and then pure joy as she walked down the aisle to marry the love of her life. The reception became unforgettable when Bob Hope, who happened to be at the same venue, made a surprise appearance and offered Jack a few of his trademark wedding jokes, delighting all in attendance. Over the next 62 years, she and Jack built a life together that left no doubt she had married the love of her life. Their family remains grateful that they were able to celebrate that milestone anniversary with Sue before Jack's passing.

Sue often expressed how fortunate she felt to be welcomed by her Jacobus in-laws: Delwin and Harriett (Godfrey), Charles (Eugenia), Richard (Carolyn), and Suzanne Souder (Fritz). Sue and Jack began their married life in Washington, D.C., where their first son, John, was born, before putting down roots in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, where they raised three more children: Julie (Tom Eiselt), Steve (Erika Brandt), and Jenny (Paul Corona).

For more than six decades, their life was filled with lively evenings at Western Racquet Club, golf games at Bluemound Country Club, winters in Rancho Mirage, and treasured family ski trips. Their Elm Grove home became the site of legendary gatherings, often ringing with MarieAnne Seifert's unforgettable laugh, and "gourmet" dinner parties where friends fondly joked that the cocktails were always exceptional - even if the food did not quite live up to the name.

Sue will be remembered as generous, quick-witted, and endlessly spirited. April Fool's Day was a much-anticipated production in the Jacobus household - complete with hidden alarm clocks, paper "sandwiches" tucked into school lunches, and her beloved trick spilled-wine glass that fooled guests for more than four decades.

Sue and Jack were steadfast supporters of the arts and educational institutions in Milwaukee. She was deeply engaged with the Milwaukee charitable organization Family Foundation and passionate about supporting women's shelters, food pantries, and addiction rehabilitation centers. She also gave to causes such as Guide Dogs of the Desert and Smile Train. Guided by two principles - "Find emptier hearts and fill them with love," and "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" - Sue was known for seeking out those in need and offering quiet, steadfast support.

Of all her blessings, Sue's greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren: Jack, Joe, and Katharine Eiselt; Ryan, Michael, William Jacobus and Daniela Brandt; and Elizabeth and Margaret Corona. In a recently discovered note, she wrote, "I was not surprised by the overwhelming love I had for my grandchildren - I just felt so blessed."

Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus departed this life on September 11, 2025, surrounded by her family and in the peace she so deeply desired. Sue was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her son John, grandson Michael, in addition to her parents, siblings and many in-laws. Her legacy remains with us, one of faith, generosity, humor, and devotion to those she loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations In Memory of Suzanne S. Jacobus to:

Sojourner Family Peace Center

Sojourner Foundation

Attn: Development

619 W Walnut St

Milwaukee, WI 53212

www.familypeacecenter.org

Donate online at Sojourner Foundation

The Relatives. (Emergency Housing and Services for children at risk)

2219 Freedom Dr.

Charlotte, NC 28208

www.therelatives.org

Donate online at The Relatives

Services

Visitation, Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Becker Ritter Funeral Home - Tower Chapel

14075 W. North Ave.

Brookfield, WI 53005

Celebration of Life Services

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM October 3rd, 2025

Becker Ritter Funeral Home - Tower Chapel

14075 W. North Ave.

Brookfield, WI 53005

Luncheon for family and friends (Following the Celebration of Life Services)

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM October 3rd 2025

Western Racquet Club

18oo Highland Drive

Elm Grove WI 53122

Please click here to livestream Sue's Celebration of Life on Friday October 3rd at 10 AM