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Suzanne Marie Bistodeau (neé Johnson), age 58, of North Branch, died October 20, 2015 unexpectedly in her home.  

Suzanne was born in Duluth, MN September 12, 1957 to Grace and Loren Johnson.  Her father passed away when she was very young, and she was adopted and raised by Grace and Gordon Elmstrand in North Branch, MN, where she graduated high school in 1976 and lived the rest of her life.  Sue attended what is now Century College, training as a pharmacy technician.  This would become her life’s work, in which she took immense pride.  She would go on to teach future pharmacy technicians at Century College for a number of years.  

Suzanne was united in marriage to John Bistodeau on July 16, 1976.  They had two children, Chad Anthony and Rossi Marie.  Together they were active in their community, and Sue was a dedicated mother, aunt, and sports fan.  One of her favorite pastimes was cheering for her husband and children, and nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband John; her parents Grace and Gordon Elmstrand and Loren Johnson; her brother Loren Elmstrand; infant sister Donna Mae Elmstrand, and brothers-in-law Richard Fisk and Steven Bistodeau.

After being widowed in 2003, Sue became a grandmother - her grandchildren brought light to her life again. She was blessed to find joy and adventure with her companion Kevin Anton.  They shared a love of motorcycle rides and traveled the country together by bike.

Suzanne is survived by her son Chad and wife Frances; daughter Rossi and husband Ryan Cannon; life partner Kevin Anton and his sons Tyler, Mitchell, and Collin; grandchildren Hailey and Ashley Bistodeau, Bryn, Scarlett, and John Cannon, and Jayson Anton; siblings Shirley Fisk, James (Cindy) Erickson, Phyllis (Dan) Hammers, and Dorean Bewley.  Sue remained devoted to John’s family, and is survived by Doug and Dayle Bistodeau, Vicki LaBelle, Cheryl Bistodeau, Susan (Dennis) Lockwood, Holly and Tim Fairbanks, Jeff Bistodeau and Kelly Bistodeau.  She was close with Kevin’s family and viewed them as her own.  One of her most treasured titles was “Auntie Suzie,” and she will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Funeral services 11 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch with Rev. Bill Pearson officiating.  Music by Debra Aulich as organist and Jon Ekstrom as soloist.  Visitation Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch and also one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday.  Interment at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in North Branch, after services.  Serving as casketbearers: Paul Amundson, Tom Bauer, Jesse Bewely, Greg Erickson, Brian Erickson, Cory Fisk, Jeremy Fisk and Aaron Hammers.  

Arrangements under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch.  Condolences maybe left at www.grandstrandfh.com

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