Suzanne Veverka

1948 - 2024

Suzanne Veverka, 76, of White Cloud, Mich., died Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, leaving behind a family who grieves her passing, yet knows she is alive and joyful in the country of her God.

Suzanne was born Sept. 1, 1948, in Benton Harbor, the daughter of Helen and Samuel Mensinger. She and her sister, Betty, were raised on Napier Avenue, near the farm of grandparents Albert and Amalia Miller. She spent happy hours tramping in her grandpa's woods, picking wildflowers and eating blackberries. She picked cherries for the market, earning 25 cents a lug.

As a small girl, Suzanne went with her grandpa to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, where she thrilled at Christmas to "Stille Nacht," and where the seeds of her relationship with Jesus were planted.

Suzanne graduated from Benton Harbor High School, was active in Youth For Christ and was a music major at Grand Rapids Baptist Bible College.

As a mother to her son, T.J. Meister, Suzanne was busy and involved, even as she worked as a florist and piano teacher. Later, she and her husband, Charlie, built a flourishing real estate appraisal business.

But it was in her personal life that Suzanne's gifts and passions were most clearly seen.

She nurtured an organic garden for many years. With a club, she toured magnificent gardens in England. She showed great patience with those who managed to kill the plants she gave them.

Suzanne loved classical music. Late summer saw her standing over a canner, and she filled shelves with home-canned grape juice, sour cherry jam and more. She chose – and wrapped with artistry – perfect presents. She and her husband, Charlie, relished time spent together on country drives.

Suzanne loved her family. Her morning phone call with T.J. was a daily highlight. She and Charlie enjoyed watching the sunset at Lake Michigan, attending the Manistee Christmas parade and quiet times together over coffee on the deck.

And Suzanne loved God. Each Easter, she and a stepdaughter would exchange the age-old refrain: "Christ is risen!" "He is risen indeed!" Even in dark times, she trusted Jesus as her redeemer and friend.

Just weeks before she passed away, Suzanne wrote of finding comfort in Psalm 46, which says in part, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." As she dealt with health challenges, she talked with hope of God's promise to one day make all things new.

Suzanne Veverka is survived by her husband and best friend, Charlie Veverka; her son, T.J. (Liz) Meister; her stepdaughters: Amber (Craig) Paddock and Gina Veverka; grandchildren: Charlie and Gina Grace Paddock and grand dogs: Hail and Maci. She is also survived by her sister, Betty (Mike) Vondran, nephews, nieces, great-nephews/nieces and dear cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents and her stepdad, William (Bill) Long and a beloved aunt, Frieda Miller.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, at Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, 637 E. Main St., Fremont, MI. There will be no funeral service. Interment is in Maple Grove Cemetery, Fremont.