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Susanna Mary Ruth Wilson Witkowski, 49, of North Branch, passed away on November 18, 2025.

Susanna was born on July 23, 1976 to Robert and Susan (Andrews) Wilson in Chisago City.  Susanna grew up in Lindstrom and attended Chisago Lakes High School, excelling in various activities; especially in music as a member of the performance and marching bands and on the track where she ran the hurdles, eventually earning a spot to compete at the state track meet before her graduation in 1994. Her hurdle records stood for many years at Chisago Lakes High School.

After graduation, Susanna attended Hamline University. She continued to pursue her love of music and track. She competed all four years on the track team, earning numerous accolades. Susanna continued to grow in music as well, performing several piano concerts and recitals. In 1998, she graduated with bachelor’s degrees in both environmental studies and Spanish. Susanna returned to school and attended the University of Minnesota earning a masters degree in urban and regional planning in 2007.

Susanna's adventurous spirit led her to many places. She always wanted to see something new, meet people, and learn everything possible about other places. While in high school, she went on the typical band trips and spring break trips to sunnier weather. While in college, she studied abroad; living in Latin and South America for a semester. After college, Susanna took her next adventure to the Grand Canyon. Susanna always loved the Southwest and she accepted a position as a seasonal server at the El Tovar resort. She spent her nights working, but the days were reserved for exploring. Susanna was always planning out the next hike. Whether it was hiking to the canyon floor or traversing from North to South rim,  not a single day was wasted.

When she returned to Lindstrom, Susanna began serving at the local golf course. This is where she met a cook named Jeremy. He finally got up the nerve to ask her out, and they went on their first date on July 4th, 1999. Unfortunately for Jeremy, soon after, Susanna was off on another adventure! Over two and a half months in the fall of 1999, she backpacked across Europe. Riding the trains and staying in hostels, she visited 13 countries in total; traveling alone for most of the trip!

After years of dating, Susanna and Jeremy were married at St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church in Lindstrom on October 8th, 2005, and settled in their home in North Branch. Two years later, they welcomed Andrew into the world; with Ava and Alex rounding out the family over the next six years.

Andrew, Ava, and Alex could not have had a better mom! Susanna devoted every moment she could spare to her family. She was always looking for ways to spend time together. With all three kids immersed in activities, there wasn’t much free time, but rest assured, if Susanna saw an opening she was going to fill it with something. The adventures may not have been as grand, but they were just as important to her. A boat ride, time at the beach, a hike at a local park, sledding, going to visit family, playing in the yard, or taking part in any number of local festivities. Those were the new adventures, and she wasn’t going to waste a moment. Susanna and her family did eventually take a big trip when they went to Disney just this spring. She truly squeezed every drop!

As with anything she did, Susanna was passionate about being a mom. She instilled all her best qualities into her children; intelligence, kindness, drive, and most importantly giving. Susanna was so proud of everything they did. Susanna kept anything from a doodle on  paper to their academic and athletic awards. She could often be found standing at the counter scouring the local papers for any mention of her kids. She would then pick up several more copies! They truly filled her life with joy!

At the time of her death, Susanna worked for Chisago County Environmental Services as a water resources manager, providing education in the area regarding water preservation and health and worked in conjunction with other counties to ensure we all get to enjoy the lakes in the area. She also continued her passion for music by occasionally playing piano for mass at St. Bridget’s and always filling her home with music! Susanna was also president of the local American Legion Auxiliary in Lindstrom.

Susanna’s caring spirit and generous heart was felt by anyone who knew her. She always looked for the good in people and was quick to help in any way possible. She will be truly missed.

Susanna was preceded in death by her father Robert Wilson and grandparents Mark and Ida Wilson and Raymond and Margaret Andrews.

Susanna is survived by her husband Jeremy, her children Andrew, Ava, and Alexander; her mother Susan; her siblings Mark (Theresa), Tom (Denise Jordan), Anne White (Ed) and Steve (Jina); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held  Monday, November 24, 2025 at St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church in Lindstrom, Minnesota. Visitation was held Sunday, November 23, 2025 at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota.  Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Lindstrom, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, Memorials are preferred.

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