Susan Cecconi

Born April 23, 1953, to John and Luella Torgerson, Susan often stated how fortunate she was to have wonderful, loving parents. The love and respect she had for her twin sister Debra Raye King was a constant throughout her life.

Susan grew up as a farm girl in Little Elk Creek just south of Menomonie, Wis. Her father operated a successful dairy farm that had been in existence as a family enterprise for generations. Hard work was ingrained in her as a young child and persisted throughout her life. It certainly laid the foundation for future endeavors.

After graduating from Menomonie High School, Susan attended the University of Wisconsin – Stout completing her degree in early childhood education. She taught and counseled children of economically disadvantaged families in the Seymour, Wis. area for three years and gathered the respect of parents as well as her students.

A career change saw her embark on a path that would shape her throughout her life. First working for H.C. Prange in Green Bay and Madison, Susan attained the position of buyer-acquisitions. Fashion and a sense of style contributed to her becoming manager of the women’s clothing store “Gantos” located in downtown Detroit at the Renaissance Center.

Her ability for teaching proved to be an invaluable asset in guiding her sales staff to be productive and efficient with her store many times exceeding monthly sales expectations. Susan also had a passion for jewelry and gemstones. This interest was kindled during the time she worked at Anshus Jewelers for four years while attending college. Friends and family often sought her guidance concerning the realm of fashion.

Susan met her husband Richard David Cecconi in Madison, Wis. After being married in Little Elk Creek Church on May 8, 1982, they moved to Detroit for David’s surgeon residency.

During that five-year period, Susan worked at the aforementioned Gantos women’s clothing stores and also worked in creating stained glass pieces for a local company that served clients wanting creations for offices and homes.

Completion of David’s residency saw them move to the Iron Mountain-Spread Eagle area. Along with close friends, Susan worked at the Pine Mountain Ski Shop where she could satisfy her love of retail and fashion — shifting gears into the sports apparel realm.

Susan was involved with many local activities including Hospital League PEO, 100 Women, and personal endeavors concerning helping students with financial support for furthering their education. A passion for cancer research led her to involve herself in fundraising for the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Childhood Cancer) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

Susan enjoyed a myriad of activities throughout her life, enjoying time with family and friends, always offering positivity and encouragement when needed. Time with friends playing Mah-jong was a centerpiece of enjoyment. She became an accomplished cyclist and alpine skier.

Traveling to Italy, France, Colorado and California on bicycle treks, she enjoyed cycling throughout those regions. Her skiing ability was honed on the slopes of Telluride, Colo., having spent winter months in the mountains. Music and piano were constants in her life. Enjoying music, plays and personal pursuits involving the arts. She had a passion for dancing which she personally acknowledges was her greatest love. Choreographing dance gave her great pleasure.

Susan’s zeal and positivity for life were evident in all her endeavors. She was a “Bright Light” — a statement reiterated by many who knew her. She loved people of all realms. God and spirituality were a foundation for all pursuits in her life.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, David; twin sister, Debra; brothers-in-law, Daniel and Tom; sister-in-law, Rebecca; nephews, Noah, Nick, Adam, and Seth; and many other cousins, family, and a beautiful collection of dear friends including Ruthanne Selden who truly was a “Big Sister” and confidant.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Luella Torgerson.

Susan’s life will be celebrated from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, June 27 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1210 S. Kimberly Ave. Iron Mountain, followed by a tribute service at 11 a.m. and refreshments in the church hall after. A graveside service will be at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park at noon. A gathering of family and close friends will be held at the Chippewa Club from 1 to 4 p.m.

All memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Hospital in Memphis, TN. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Susan Kaye Cecconi online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.