Suzanne Dawn Freedstrom Strand

APPLETON, Wis. - Suzanne Dawn Freedstrom Strand, 76, born on June 27, 1938, left our world on Monday, May 25, 2015.

Sue is now rejoined with her husband, Laird; parents Aleda and Wally Freedstrom, sister Anita Schanning, and many well-loved relatives and friends.

This little girl, from the resettlement in Ironwood, Mich., went on to graduate from the University of Michigan, marry a kind man, raise three children, teach hundreds of Kimberly, Wisconsin's kids, and spoil three grandchildren.

She committed herself to a life of service: the kids she taught had special needs. She volunteered at church, Kiwanis club, Girl Scouts, Kimberly Amphitheater, subbing at the middle school (wow). As a high school special education teacher, Sue served as a liaison between her students and the work place. She prepared these kids for survival in the world. Sue was a champion for those who had a difficult life.

When life dealt Suzanne Strand lemons, she truly made them into lemonade. Always a song on the tip of her tongue, especially the University of Michigan fight song. Sue was sure to light up a room. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's in 2011, and recent cancer, could not squelch Sue's "spitfire" spirit.

Sue is survived by children: Laurie Strand (Fred Kamps) of Chanhassen, Minn., Laird Strand (Joan) of Appleton, and Leda Strand (Mike England) of Glendale, Wis .; her sister Janis Forsberg of Plainwell, Mich .; grandchildren, Freddy Kamps of Atlanta, Greta Kamps of Minneapolis, and Lairdie Strand of Appleton.

The family invites you to celebrate Sue's life on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. until noon at Wichmann Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel, 1592 Oneida St., Menasha, with a brief service at 10:30 a.m.

Online condolences may be offered at wichmannfargo.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Willow Lane Assisted Living in Grand Chute, or the Alzheimer's Association.