Susie Friesendorf

Susie Friesendorf, a radiant spirit who filled the lives of many with laughter, love, and melody, passed away on December 19, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. Born on October 14, 1944, in Peoria, Illinois, Susie blossomed into a vibrant soul whose zest for life was evident in every interaction. After shaping young minds at Dryden Elementary School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, she spent the rest of her life as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Bradley University in Peoria, where she proudly belonged to the Sigma Kappa Sorority, Susie laid a foundation for a future steeped in empathy and creativity. In her early life she sang on the radio, and her teenage years were richly adorned with performances in Summer Stock Theatre, a testament to her love for entertaining others.

Susie’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of family. Her daughter, Courtney Peters was not just her child; but was her best friend and confidant. Together, they created lifelong memories marked by joy and camaraderie. A devoted wife for 49 cherished years to the late Edwin Friesendorf, Susie found strength and solace in their partnership, a bond that remains eternally entwined in the hearts of all who knew them.

As a grandmother, she embraced the role with unparalleled love and pride. Her grandchildren—Blake Ansert, Jordan Peters, Holly Ansert, Camden Peters, and Molly Peters—fondly recall afternoons filled with spirited games of Yahtzee and Scrabble. Susie had a unique gift for storytelling, filling the air with tall tales that captivated imaginations and sparked laughter. She illuminated their lives with her joyful spirit, always singing, dancing, and entertaining, in a way that made every gathering feel like a celebration.

Beyond her family, Susie found joy in golf, bringing laughter, friendship and shenanigans to the Lake Forest Country Club Ladies League. Her infectious smile and remarkable ability to ignite laughter in others created a welcoming atmosphere wherever she went.

Susie now joins her beloved husband Edwin, her brother Pete Entringer, and her sister Sally Wagner, in eternal peace. As those left behind mourn the physical absence of such a vibrant force, they are forever enriched by the legacy of love, laughter, and remarkable stories she leaves in their hearts.

In every song sung, in every tale told, and in every moment shared, Susie's spirit will dance on, a testament to the love she generously gave and the indelible mark she has left on the world.

Susie is survived by her daughter, Courtney Peters (Dean); daughter, Debra Elliott Davis (Mark); daughter, Nanette Ingham (Bill); son, Edwin Friesendorf (Karyn); bonus son, Scott Smith (Steven); grandchildren, Blake Ansert, Jordan Peters, Holly Ansert, Camden Peters, and Molly Peters.

A celebration of life for Susie will be planned at a later date. 

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