Profile photo of Susan Ann Krieger

Susan Ann Krieger

MarMarch 2nd, 1946 FebFebruary 3rd, 2026
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Susan Ann Krieger

For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.
PSALM 48:14

Obituary

Susan Krieger (née Demper), 79, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, returned home to the Lord on February 3rd, 2026. Born March 2, 1946, to, and preceded in death by Leonard Edward Demper and Lorraine Marie Demper (née Lauer).

Susan is survived by her beloved son, James (Jim) Krieger, his wife Alexandria (Alex) Krieger (née Espanola), and cherished granddaughter Alexis (Lexie) Hartley; brother William (Bill) Demper, sister in law Cindy Demper (née Borgardt); niece Kelly Birren (née Demper), her husband Arnold Birren, great nephew Walter and great niece Henrietta Birren, as well as bonus sisters, Susan Radtke and Denise Croon.

Susan enjoyed a successful career at Northwestern Mutual as a team leader in the Cafeteria, and a part-time receptionist at Alverno College. In her various roles she made lasting friendships and touched the lives of every person she met. She was known for her ability to inspire smiles and laughter, her kind heart, and her deep love of both family and her many dear friends, who she seemed to run into quite often at restaurants, family outings, and even once at Disney World!

In her final years, she was able to spend quality time in both Irvine, California with her son’s family and North Fort Myers, Florida with her brother and sister-in-law. This time was a gift to both Sue and her family. As a long term resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin she missed them dearly and was able to say a long goodbye. Her Milwaukee family got to have her for many years prior, it was hard to say goodbye but it was only fair to share her.

With the loss of Susan Krieger, our phones will be quieter, our holidays not as bright, and our celebrations of life goals more subdued. But we should all be so lucky to have someone like her in our lives - she was always our biggest champion. Please celebrate her by saying a prayer and enjoy a sweet treat in her honor. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Rest in peace, Susan. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Fatima prayer,

O my Jesus,
Forgive us our sins,
Save us from the fires of hell,
lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of your mercy.

The Lord's Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13

Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the Kingdom,
and the power, and the glory for ever and ever.

Amen

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Memory wall

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February 26, 2026
I first met Sue Oct 2025. I had come to visit Cindy & Bill and when I walked in she greeted me with a huge smile and right away I knew she was a sweet loving lady I would come to love in that short time I visited. I was so looking forward to seeing her again with my February visit and was saddened when I heard she had passed. She introduced me to Trader Joes maple bread that we both loved and shared a sweet tooth for goodies!! It was a real joy to be with her and a smile will come to my face every time I think of her. May God hold her loved ones especially close at this sad time.
Carol Korpal
February 26, 2026
Our get togethers since 1985
Door country, food, parties, etc
Best time ever with Sue. They will ever be in our hearts. We also have a big photo album with all our memories never to forget
Peggy Wiliszewski
February 26, 2026
I was so glad along with my wife Donna to spend some quality time getting to know Sue during an extended stay with Bill and Cindy.
She was a hoot. So funny and spunky. And we didn't mind watching our step over her oxygen lines and sharing the bathroom. No accidents!! No problem. I enjoyed bringing sweet surprises to share since they were sharing their home with us, and great home cooked meals.
And watch Sue light up when she liked them.
She will be greatly missed.
Greg Cline
February 22, 2026
So sad to be writing this memorial because we were certainly not ready for this. We were blessed these last 6 .months to have my sister Sue (Aunt Sue) living with us. We had a lot of fun and laughs and even got her in the pool which she loved. Sue was a larger than life person who loved God, family and friends to the max. You can tell what kind of person she was by how many people who were touched by her. As Jim mentioned earlier we could disagree and argue over so many things but there was never any doubt of the love we had for each other. Thankfully her pain and suffering is gone and I can vision Mom and Sue having dessert together guilt free in heaven. We will miss you and our little dogs will miss the treat dealer. We love you!!!!!
Bill Demper
February 22, 2026
Sista Sue,
I remember when Bill first told you he met me and really liked me you said "It's only been month " Then when we met you told him he better not lose me because you loved me.
I loved you too and will forever miss our phone calls.
When you moved here Bill and I committed our life to you. You didn't like that and kept telling us to go out even though we wanted to spend time here with you.
We enjoyed every minute we got and the 3 of us had alot more plans but you did it your way. I held your hand tightly through so many things and just want to do that again. I look forward to seeing you there someday and holding it again.
I love you Sue and thank you for the great talks, tears, laughter and love.
Cindy
Cindy Demper
February 22, 2026
When I first met Aunt Sue, I could tell how much she loved Kelly; she treated me a bit suspiciously, clearly protective of her dearest niece. It took a couple of years, but slowly, I won Aunt Sue over and fell into her good graces. I’m still not sure how I did this. Maybe it was the friendly hard time we’d give each other at holiday dinners or the debates we had on road trips. Regardless of the reason, once Aunt Sue was on your side, she was on it forever.

Eventually, Kelly mentioned a certain ring of her great-grandmother’s that Aunt Sue had. Should a certain occasion arise, she wanted that ring. Lo and behold, that occasion did arise, and off I went to see Aunt Sue about a ring. I expected a hard time, hopefully friendly, as I sat at her dining room table. She already knew why I was there. The approval was instant, and she told me how happy she was to have me as part of her family now. I told her it had already felt like that for years.

We all know and love her many quirks. We can hear her booming voice clearly from the living room. And, we remember how she welcomed us under her umbrella. The more years I spent with Aunt Sue, the more it became abundantly clear…she had a really big umbrella.
Arnie Birren
February 20, 2026
Nana,

Thank you for trusting me, for allowing me to care for you, and for welcoming me into your world in such a meaningful way. The time we shared the conversations, the laughter, even the stubborn moments are memories I will always carry close to my heart.

You taught me patience, resilience, and strength in ways you may not have even realized. Even on the hardest days, your determination showed me what it truly means to keep going. I will always admire that about you.

Whenever I noticed something wasn’t right, I made sure you received medical care right away. I paid close attention to how you were feeling, always watching, always asking what was hurting, because your comfort and well-being meant everything to me. Caring for you was never a duty it was love.

I hope you always knew how deeply you were cared for and how much love surrounded you every single day. It was an honor to stand beside you, to cook for you, to sit with you, and simply to be there.

Rest peacefully now. Your journey here was strong and full of spirit, and your presence will forever be part of our family’s story and part of mine.

With love always,
Liz
Elizabeth "Liz"
February 20, 2026
Nana,

I always knew where to go after potty time which is straight to you for my treat. You never forgot, and I never doubted you’d be waiting for me.

When the house was quiet and no one else was home, your room was my favorite place. I’d stay close, soaking up belly rubs and just being near you. Those were our special times.

Thank you for loving me, for the snacks, the snuggles, and the soft voice you used when you talked to me.

I’ll miss you, Nana… but I’ll always wag my tail when I think of you.

Love, Norty
Norton "Norty" Krieger
February 20, 2026
Honoring the Life & Faith and Remembering Nana’s Beautiful Legacy...

Today we honor Nana whose life was quietly but deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. She did not always speak loudly about it, but she lived it in prayer, in sacrifice, and in her steadfast love for us, her family.

Through every season of life, her trust in Christ remained constant. Even when others did not always walk beside her in that same devotion, she stayed faithful. She believed. She prayed. She entrusted everything to God. Her faith was her anchor.

The words of the Anima Christi reflect the heart of how she lived:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.

She understood that prayer, that closeness to Christ and she held onto it.

Today, we are especially grateful for the seeds she planted. Because of her example and her prayers, we, her family in California, continue to walk more closely with the Church. That quiet legacy of faith is Nana's beautiful victory that continues even now.

As Catholics, we hold tightly to the hope of the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life. We trust in God’s mercy and in His loving embrace.

Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.

May she now rest in the presence of the Lord she loved. May the angels lead her into paradise. May perpetual light shine upon her.

May she now rest in the presence of the Lord she loved and trusted all her life.
May the angels lead her into paradise, and may perpetual light shine upon her.

Though we will miss her voice, her strength, and her steady example, we take comfort in knowing that her prayers do not end here. The love she gave, the faith she lived, and the seeds she planted continue to grow within our family.

Until we meet again, Nana, we carry your faith in our hearts.

With love, gratitude, and hope, we will always remember our Nana.

- Alex & Nana's Irvine, California Family and Friends
*****************
My Personal Message:

Nana, I am deeply grateful for the time we shared in our home. Even in the quiet moments, there was meaning. Even in the hard days, there was love.

I am thankful that you were able to witness our marriage, even through a screen. You saw the beginning of a new chapter, and that blessing means more to us than words can say.

You raised a man of integrity, strength, and deep faith. The values you instilled in him the devotion, loyalty, perseverance, and trust in God, live on in our home. Because of you, we stand united, committed not only to each other but to the faith that guides our family.

Your legacy is not only remembered....it is lived.

With love always, Alex
Alexandria "Alex" Krieger
February 20, 2026
To My Mother

As I reflect on my Mother’s time on Earth, I find myself with so much thanks to have a mom that was fearless, strong willed and full of life. She was so loved by so many people, friends and family alike. She was appreciated in laughter with her own humor, she was a shoulder to lean on for so many years to me, known as Nana for many years to us all that loved her. My life will never be the same in earth with her gone but my strength will come from knowing she is up in heaven and at peace. My mom (Nana) earned every moment she got and I am truly thankful for all of those moments of strength she past on to me as well as unconditional love. We argued like no other, we loved like only a Mother and Son can and we did it our way!! I miss you Mom but never ever forgotten, I love you!!
Jim Krieger
February 18, 2026
Sue and I have known each other for many years, but the times that we both found to be especially memorable was after Walter was born. The two of us took Walter on many outings, but our favorite was Fred's, a burger joint down in Burlington. He would squirm by the windows waiting for the train to come, we just loved watching his eyes light up in wonder. We loved taking him to the pumpkin patch when he was little, too. Every year we would celebrate the holidays, but our thing was dying Easter eggs. Eventually, when Henrietta came along it became one of our favorite traditions for all of us. These small outings were so big in the grand picture, we bonded over watching the next generation grow. We will miss Sue, very much.
Susan Radtke
February 18, 2026
I hold so many cherished memories of Nana close to my heart. Even though miles often separated us, she was always a constant presence in my life. Distance never lessened the love, guidance, and warmth she gave so freely. She shaped so much of who I am, and I will always be grateful for the beautiful moments and memories we shared.

As a child, I remember sweet nicknames she gave to me like snuggle peanut and raggamuffin (reserved for the times I stubbornly refused to brush my hair). At the time, I didn’t always appreciate them the way I should have, but as I grew older, I came to treasure those little nicknames, realizing they were just another way she wrapped me in her love.

In my early teen years, I often think back to her and I driving around various parts of Southern California (always lost); missing an exit- more than once, driving in circles, asking strangers for directions and arriving at destinations hours late. Neither of us very good navigators. Now when I miss an exit, I can't help but giggle and think..maybe I wasn't as helpful as I really thought I was and I'm brought back to the hours of giggles and detours we would take together. Once at our destination, we would meander various beach towns. Enjoying the ocean views, a snack (often a hot dog on a stick) and perusing the beach shops. She loved to take the long way, stop and pop our heads in, chat up the clerk- enjoying life slowly and sweetly.

In adulthood, Nana and I became more like girlfriends. We would swap stories about friends, compared notes on medications we both happen to be on, traded recipes we were loving at the time, and shared the latest bit of celebrity gossip…and of course.. her favorite topic was always, who I was dating. She followed every detail with interest and enthusiasm, never missing a beat. Nana helped me navigate every season of my life, but I am especially grateful to have had her as my confidant and steady cheerleader during the complicated years of my mid and late twenties. She had a way of offering perspective that was playful and grounded. She would gently guide me through the uncertainty while always reminding me to stand firm in what I knew was right and kind. She showed me, by example, what it truly means to be a strong yet compassionate woman. Lighthearted and fun, yet anchored by a strong moral compass and unwavering values. She carried both strength and softness so beautifully. What a privilege it has been to look up to someone like her.

Nana had a strong presence in everyone's life- ranging from strangers to family. She had the very strong gift of gab paired with intense empathy and the trait of listening with intention. She made people feel seen, heard, and valued. Simply by being herself, she left a mark on so many lives. Through her words and her example, she taught us that kindness matters, that thoughtfulness is a quiet strength, and that loving thy neighbor isn’t just something you say- it’s something you live.

She taught me me many things:
Always talk to strangers
Never be embarrassed
Its important to do the kind thing
Take the long way
Enjoy the sweet treat
(this list could be much longer but i am already long winded, something I inherited from nana)

Nana was many wonderful things- she accepted people as they are and never judged. Although, she would always share her opinion (one of my favorite things about her). She loved many people and many things and the way she moved through life is a gentle reminder to all of us she touched: to love freely, to speak truth kindly, and to meet others with compassion. Nana was truly one of a kind. It feels impossible to do her justice in capturing a life so full and a spirit so vibrant in one piece of writing.

I am so thankful for the time we were given and for the closeness we shared, even with miles between us. Distance never diminished our bond, it only made our moments together that much sweeter. I feel deeply grateful for the privilege of bearing witness to such an incredible woman, and even more grateful to have shared the relationship we did. Loving her and being loved by her is one of the greatest gifts of my life. In the wake of her passing, I will do my best to honor her by living a life that reflects the light she so naturally shed on all of us. Choosing kindness, leading with compassion, and carrying forward the warmth, strength, and joy she gave so freely.

To those reading and grieving; She loved you. How lucky are we to have known her.

Nana- You will never be forgotten, and you will always live with us in our hearts. Thank you for leading by example and showing us what we should strive to be like. Without you here, there will be a hole in many hearts which will be filled with the love you have given all to all of us.
Lexie Hartley
February 17, 2026
When I was a child and Aunt Sue still worked full time, I sat at this table and colored with Grandma Demper. She would sneak me treats while showing me how to color inside the lines. Now as an adult, I fondly remember Aunt Sue doing the same with my children. Always at the same table, looking out of the same window. Together we have watched generations of squirrels, birds and bunnies grow in that backyard. Seasons have come and gone, and eventually the table moved to a different home and the window was made new for another family to make memories; eating sweets, coloring both inside and outside of the lines, and watching the wildlife thrive.

Aunt Sue and I said goodbye to the house together with a tea party for Walter and Henrietta. Aunt Sue showed those two a love I cannot begin to describe. She was never afraid to tell you how she felt about something, but somehow she never made any disagreement a character flaw. She loved unconditionally, and we will all suffer in our loss. I try to remember that she was looking forward to being greeted in Heaven, and that our sadness is something for those still here on Earth. I am going to feel her loss for the rest of my life, as I have never not had her in my corner.

That unconditional love has made our lives richer, but it is also what makes saying goodbye so hard. I am so glad that my children got to have a piece of her heart. I hope they carry that love with them so they may someday watch animals and eat sweets with their future families and think of her. I like to think Aunt Sue and Grandma Demper are looking out of a different sort of window now, and can stay with us in our hearts while they enjoy the view. Rest easy, Aunt Sue, we will cherish the pieces of your heart that you have gifted us. We will always remember you.
Kelly Birren

Favorites


What was Susan favorite Travel destination?
I remember hearing about her girls trips all the time, especially Door County. She never turned down a trip to California and Florida and Hawaii, too. 
What cause was important to Susan ?
She was so grateful to Second Hand Purrs Cat Shelter because they took good care of her kitty Magoo after deciding to go live with Jim and Alex.
What was Susan 's favorite Color?
Her and Walter will always share love for the color yellow. I hope he is reminded of her whenever he comes across the perfect shade. 
What was Susan 's favorite Movie?
As a kiddo I remember watching Pretty Woman, Blue Hawaii, and Gidget Goes Hawaiian on repeat with Aunt Sue! 
What was Susan 's favorite Quote or Saying?
For a woman who worried constantly, at the end of the day she would say, "It is what it is." 
What was Susan 's favorite Food or Dish?
The day we found out Aunt Sue had passed I went and got the kids Bundt Cakes to celebrate her after we told them. I will always think of her and Grandma Demper whenever I enjoy something sweet. 

Donate

In lieu of sending flowers, we would like you to consider a donation to Second Hand Purrs Cat Shelter (4300 S. Howell Ave Milwaukee, Wi 53207) if that is something you feel compelled to do. When she went to live with Jim and Alex she had to give up her beloved cat Magoo. This no-kill cat shelter is volunteer based and can use all the help it can get. Sue was so grateful to them for matching Magoo with a loving family. His second chance was also hers, as she would not have been able to rest easy without knowing her sweet baby was taken care of. Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Sue and Magoo! 
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