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Susan VanAuken

September 2, 1949 ~ August 20, 2023

Susan (Susie) M. VanAuken, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away, Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital. Visitation: 5:30 ' 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, with Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Mass: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 31, 2023, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, with Visitation an hour prior to service. Burial: 9:00 a.m. Friday, September 1, 2023, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Susan M. VanAuken was born on September 2, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Broeckert) Tiernan. She was united into marriage to Dennis VanAuken on December 21, 1986. Susan worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines for four years. She then worked as a Pharmacy Tech at Hy-Vee Drug Town on Mount Vernon Road for 30 plus years and was known by colleagues and customers as Sue. Susie was a loving and caring person who would engage in a conversation with anyone and in a short period of time, they experienced her caring manner and her true interest in the person she was talking to. She loved helping people but did not want to be in the spotlight. She was a wonderful hostess and loved entertaining friends and family. She loved to plan and prepare meals and enjoy the conversations. She had a strong faith and a love for family and friends. Many have shared how much they love her and will miss her presence. She and her soul mate (Dennis) enjoyed the outdoors at their getaway fishing and enjoying the beauty of nature. It was the simple things that made her happy. Spending time with friends and family, laughing, eating, taking road trips, and enjoying the company of others. Susan is survived by her husband, children, Kerri VanAuken and Tim VanAuken; sisters, Janie (John) Macklin, Julie (Eric) Keen, and Lori (Rod) Fiebelkorn; sister-in-law, Bonnie Tiernan-Ehrenberger (Frank); brother-in-law, Dick (Dianne) VanAuken; twenty nieces and nephews; and fourteen grand nieces and nephews. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Jimmy Tiernan and Michael Tiernan; and sister, Patty McCalley. Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Susan's Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with her family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.

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  1. We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids

  2. Dennis:

    This makes me so sad. I loved, loved your wife, her spirit, laugh and joy for life. My thoughts, prayers and big hug to you. Steve and I will be out of town and miss her service. Please know I am thinking of you.

    Becky Washler

  3. Dennis,
    We are so sorry to hear the loss of Susie. Our prayers are with you and the family. She was a wonderful person and supported me during some difficult times in my life. We are blessed to have known her.

    Scott & Jonetta Crawford

  4. Dearest Dennis and Family, We are in such shock. Susie will be missed beyond belief. Susie was a bright light that shined with her smile and contagious laughter. She is so loved and forever will be cherished.

  5. Dennis – Bob and I were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Susie passing. She was a sweetheart. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

    Bob and Janet Chandler

  6. Dennis – Prayers for you and for the soul of your beautiful wife. May our Blessed Mother welcome Susie with open arms in heaven. She has gone ahead of us to a place that God prepared for us, his beloved children.

    “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

    Please know our family is praying for you.

    Allan and Veronica Caballero

  7. I am always saddened when I see one of my Washington HS classmates passing. My prayers go to the family.

  8. I know we are distant cousins ! My mother Gladys Giblin Shaeffer was a first cousin of Susie ‘s father ! Mother had 65 first cousins! I knew Susie was an airline stewardess!
    Met her several times at St Matthews! So sorry for your loss! What a lovely lady!

  9. Susie was one of my best friends when we were in grade school!!! We had so much fun swimming at Beaver Park!!! I’ll always remember her twinkling eyes and her beautiful smile!!! I am so sorry for your loss! Julie Lee Dunn

  10. I was very sad to read of Sue’s passing. She was a fellow high school classmate (WHS-1968) Always so friendly and caring. I also remember her from all the years she worked at Mt. Vernon Rd. Drug Town. Always enjoyed seeing her in there and catching up on fellow classmates! My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
    Susan (Scheib) Friedl

  11. Dennis, Our love and thoughts are with you. Susie will always hold a close place in my heart. We had some wonderful, fun times together. She created light when she was present and her positive attitude, great sense of humor, and beautiful smile will always be cherished. My parents were also very fond of you and Susie. I hope that you find comfort in the memories of the joy she shared.

  12. Dennis so sorry for your loss. I will forever remember when we first came to town to work for SDS you guys have us over for ‘dot’ pizza. God bless you and Susie.

  13. Dennis, We are very sorry for the loss of your Soulmate. We will keep you lifted up in Our Thoughts & Prayers!


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