Susanne Stelzner Obituary

Stelzner, Susanne Rhoads

Susanne Rhoads Stelzner, 66, lifelong resident of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff died, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, after a long and courageous battle against breast cancer. She was a graduate of Lake Forest High School (1977) and Hillsdale College (1981) in Michigan. Wife of Bruce Stelzner; Mother of Preston Hurthle; Stepmother of Ryan & Nick Stelzner; Daughter of Marion Rhoads, and the late William S. Rhoads (1990); Sister of Carol (Randy) Harrison, Richard (Pam) Rhoads, and the late Kimberly Hite (2011); Aunt of Lindsay (William) Dagiantis, Carter Harrison, Courtney (Cooper) Britt, and the late Alec Hite (2024). Susie was born in Montclair, New Jersey, and moved to Lake Forest with her family in 1960, where she grew up and attended school. She later graduated from Hillsdale College in Michigan with a bachelor's degree is sociology. Susie began her professional career in marketing working for Jim Beam before following her passion for interior design, working with Showhomes in San Diego, California. She had a keen eye for design and a natural sense of style, noticing beauty and detail wherever she went. Susie loved the beach and found great joy and peace near the water. She was also an avid movie buff who appreciated a good story and shared her great sense of humor easily and often. Above all, Susie was a devoted and loving mother to her son, Preston, and a loving wife to her husband, Bruce. A truly classy woman with a warm heart, she had a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued. She and Bruce cherished their time traveling between their homes in Stuart, Florida; Tippecanoe, Indiana; and Lake Bluff, Illinois, as well as exploring destinations around the world. Wherever she went, Susie's grace, kindness, and radiant light left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Although we are heartbroken and tearful from the loss of Susie, we can all smile knowing we were blessed to have her in our lives, and that she is now healed from her pain and reunited with her sister and Father in God's Kingdom. No Visitation. Memorial Service, 3 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E. Westminster, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, with reception to follow. Interment private. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be payable to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

Info: www.wenbanfh.com or (847)234-0022.

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