SUZANNE MRKACEK
BLOOMINGTON — Suzanne Elfgen Mrkacek, 79, of Bloomington, formerly of Alton, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014.
Her visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, followed by a funeral service at noon at Trinity Lutheran Church, located on 801 S. Madison in Bloomington.
Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.
Suzanne was born on May 14, 1935, in Alton, Ill., the daughter of Eugene and Dorthy Elfgen. She married Rick Mrkacek on June 24, 1982, and he survives.
Surviving are her children, Rick (Bernadette) Lauschke, David (Laura) Lauschke, Cathy (Perry) Albin, Jim (Kelli) Lauschke, Paul (Linda) Lauschke, Betsy (John) Prosperi; ten grandchildren, Christopher, Sarah and Ben Lauschke, Jack, Katie and Ellie Prosperi, David, Caroline and Natalie Lauschke, and Lisa Lauschke.
Also surviving is her sister DoJe (Ron) Mottaz.
Suzanne graduated from Alton High School and the University of Illinois.
While raising her family she was involved in many Alton community activities including two terms on the Alton School Board.
After raising her family, she began a career in aviation as a flight instructor, teaching student pilots, and then as a corporate pilot, flying internationally for a local corporation. Suzanne and her husband started Premier Air Center in 1986 and later sold the company now know as West Star Aviation.
She was known as mom, Grandma Susie and a friend to all. She loved all animals including Augie, Max and Cooper.
Suzanne was an avid gardener and nurtured many friendships through her gardening. She loved reading her Bible in the morning and going to Bible studies.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to:
Share the Love in care of [email protected] or Nancy Wadhams Servants Gift, Sponsorship 309-310-3092.
Online condolences may be made to www.beckmemorial.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 11, 2014
We will always remember the lovely 2 hour lunches at Thymes Past restaurant, enjoying great conversations and the easy going comfort among truly great friends. Having known Susie for so many years, it's hard to imagine life without her and her wonderful sense of humor. She is and will be dearly missed. We pray that God will give peace and comfort to all who loved her.
Our Condolences,
Shelly Clark
Mary Clark Kirchner
and Family
November 6, 2014
So sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful lady. I know she will be missed. Your family is in our thoughts & prayers.
Mike & Karen Edwards
Gretchen Inman
November 5, 2014
Suzie was such a dedicated mother. I remember all the fun times at their bustling house when I was kid. Always admired her greenhouse and gardens. Sad to see such a bright light go out. Good memories linger.....Hugs and rememberances go out to the family.
Dee Cairns
November 5, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Rick & Family. She will be deeply missed. I will always remember their bountiful Thanksgiving celebrations. She was a very warm, friendly & compassionate lady.
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
James Stoneking
November 5, 2014
Rick, you have my deepest sympathy in this time of loss.
November 5, 2014
Betsy, my heart goes out to you. I know you loved your mother so much and it is such a loss. She knew how much you loved her, and will forever look after you and your family from above. All my love to you. Margie Medelberg
November 5, 2014
Susie was one of my favorite customers at Seasons Garden Center. What a great gardener God has at his side. My thoughts and prayers for all the family.
Pamela Kasten(Godfrey)
Jerry and Etta Jane Leonard
November 5, 2014
Our love and prayers for comfort go out to the whole family. Suzie was a wonderful and loving person. She will be missed by many.
pat Taulbee
November 5, 2014
Terrible loss. My deepest sympathy to her children.
November 4, 2014
OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAM MAY GOD BE WITH U IN THIS TIME OF NEED DON AND URSULA YATES MCGAUGHEY
November 4, 2014
I worked for Susie for 6 years. And in that time saw nothing but happiness from her. Always a smile and always a warm greeting. She was the best person I ever worked for and probably will ever work for. No matter how busy she was, she always had time to stop and listen if you had a problem. Heaven has gained another Angel. You will be missed.
Judith Mottaz
November 3, 2014
Susie was always kind and generous. She was a wonderful help to an inexperienced young mother 49 years ago. Always down to earth, she was wise and intelligent. Judi Mottaz
Suprina Schmidt
November 3, 2014
Susie was one of the NICEST PERSONS I EVERY KNEW. I will always be indebted to her, I only hope she knew how much her employees loved & respected her. May God Bless her.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more