Susan Melin

Susan “Suzy” Kay Melin, 55, of Chippewa Falls, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on November 5, 2022. She fought hard against the cancer that took her.

Suzy was born April 1, 1967, a special gift to her brothers and sister.

Her mother Rosa Mae Starr and father Jack Donald Melin preceded her in death.

Suzy grew up in the Northwoods and always cherished her memories growing up hunting, fishing and having fun with her brothers Jim and John and sister Lyn. Those times made her charming, beautiful, wild and free.

Suzy loved her daughters and life moved her around as she provided all that she could to make them happy. To do this, Suzy pursued a professional career as a Union painter. Suzy studied hard and got into the trade and made her way to journeyman painter. She became a Union member of Eau Claire Local #259.

With her skills as a journeyman painter, Suzy was soon employed by UW-Stout as a craftsperson in the maintenance department. There she met many lifelong friends who she dearly loved. She retired August 2022 after 25 years of service.

As her daughters grew into adulthood, Suzy made her time hers again and taught us all how to have fun.

Her skills on the grill were on point. She was proud of her work in all things, especially food and flowers, her “porkie pineapple” and canned banana peppers were legendary, and part of many celebrations with friends. Suzy loved spending time in her gardens growing various flowers and her peppers. She understood how to grow many things and made them flourish.

Suzy was masterfully independent and self-reliant. She expressed her creative side with fashion and sassy shirts that were an outlet for humorous social dissent. She believed everyone deserved peace, love and a kick in the ass. Always amused by the comedies and vulgarities of life, Suzy was a great friend to laugh with. She was as quick to laugh as she was to listen to your deepest pain with compassion.

Her philosophy was one of diligent work. Throughout life, she stood up with the world on her shoulders because she had to show her daughters how strong they could be.

Suzy left an impression in the lives of those she loved and laughed with, like the grooves of a record. Remember to hit play and party on.

She is survived by daughters: Diana Jean Melin, Nichole Leigh Murphy and Amber Lyn Murphy; grandchildren: Dominic, Lucca, Carmen and Wesley; sister Lynn (Steve) Risler; brothers Jim (Rose) Melin, John (Julie) Melin; and so, so many nieces and nephews and even more beloved friends.