Susan Jane Vrooman

Sue's positive attitude was generous and contagious in good times and challenging times, even as she battled cancer in her final months. If anyone ever needed to see God’s grace in action, all they had to do was to visit Sue.

Susan Jane Vrooman, 66, of Superior WI, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2022, at home, after battling glioblastoma for over five months.

Sue was born in Mitchell, SD, on May 31, 1955. She was adopted by Jack and Marion (Moore) Steckelberg, who loved Sue dearly and brought her home to Pukwana, SD. Sue went to school in Pukwana, SD, Huron, SD, and Minot, ND. She earned her high school diploma at Minot High School in 1973. She went on to earn a Secretarial Degree in 1985 from the Vocational Technical School in Mitchell, SD. She worked as a secretary, banker, retail clerk, and pharmacy technician. She proudly worked for over 20 years at Kmart and her last few years prior to retirement were at Kwik Trip in Superior, WI. She enjoyed learning about her family history. In 1990, Sue unexpectedly discovered that her friend Phyllis (Cunningham) Brookbank was her birth mother. She realized her dream of sharing the story of how they met, when she wrote the book, She Gave Me Caramel Apples. Sue’s hope was that their story would inspire and encourage others who are on an adoption journey. The book will soon be available at www.suevrooman.com. Sue also loved animals, visiting with friends and neighbors, and working on genealogy research.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Marion Steckelberg; birth mother, Phyllis Brookbank; son, Jeremy Vrooman; father-in-law, Danny Vrooman; and brother-in-law, Loren Vrooman.

Sue is survived by her husband, Bruce Vrooman; sons, Bradley Steckelberg and Justin Vrooman; siblings, Michael Brookbank, Susan (Brookbank) Chapman, Mary (Brookbank) Gale, Scott Brookbank, and Debra (Brookbank) Billotto; mother-in-law, Hazel (Mileusnich) Vrooman; brother-in-law, Chad Vrooman; sister-in-law, Deborah (Schieber) Vrooman; daughter-in-law, Latrecia “Aaliyah Tiavi” (David “Dauid”) Hamilton; grandchildren, Lynneigh Vrooman, Jeremy Xavier “Jeremiyahu” Vrooman, Noah Vrooman, Jade “Tsedaqah” Vrooman, David Texas “Dauid” Hamilton IV, and Kylie Vrooman; and many nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all the healthcare professionals and support staff at Essentia Duluth, including Miller Dwan rehab and hospice care.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Tuesday, May 31st at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, with Memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM.

There will also be a service in Sioux Falls, SD: Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 4th at Faith Temple Church, 2121 W 33rd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, with a Memorial service at 3:00 PM. There will be a private burial at St. Anthony's cemetery in Pukwana, SD.

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