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BORN
1946
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Susan Sturm Obituary
Susan L. Sturm, age 74, a resident of Winfield, IL, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021, peacefully at home. She was born October 12, 1946, in San Francisco, CA, to Lowell and Kathleen Webb while Lowell was serving in the military.
Susan grew up in New Lenox, IL, and graduated in the class of 1964 from Lincoln Way High School, where she made lifelong friends. She earned a BS in Education in 1968 and a master’s degree of Science Education in 1970, both from Illinois State University. In the summer before college, Susan met Norman Sturm while touring Europe as part of High School Bands and Choirs of America. They were married on August 31, 1968, and were together for 45 years.
Susan worked as a Learning Disabilities Resource Teacher in Addison, IL, District 4 from 1970 to 2005, where she touched the hearts of her students and colleagues . During her tenure at Fullerton School, Susan led the student council, school technology support, brought in children’s
book authors and was assistant principal for many years. Susan loved being a teacher and is remembered for always making her professional environment fun and full of laughter.
From 1996 to 2015 Susan served as a special education adjunct instructor and supervised student teachers for Roosevelt University, at both the Chicago and Schaumburg campuses. She was passionate about training the next generation of teachers to meet the needs of children with
learning disabilities and delighted in helping her students find their first teaching jobs.
Since 1984, Susan and Norman were active members of Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, where she served in many ministries, including Children’s Bell Choir, BethlehemMarketplace, Vacation Bible School, and chaired “Special Blend” hospitality.
After retirement, Susan enjoyed traveling the world with her brother Warren, fellow teachers, and high school girlfriends. From learning to cook in Tuscany to snorkeling in St. Kitts and hiking on glaciers in New Zealand, she was passionate about always finding joy in life and sharing it
with those she loved.
With a smile that lit up a room, she approached life with an openness to love and generosity to all. This brought out the best in everyone she interacted with. But by far, her greatest happiness came through her ability to be a daily part of her daughters’ and four grandchildrens’ lives, and
all were overjoyed with every minute they spent with their Mom and “Nana”.
She is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Keith) Westmoreland and Dr. Nichole (Lawrence) LaVanway, both of Wheaton, and her grandchildren, Kelton (17), Charleton (13), Kathleen (6), and Margaret (5 months). She is also survived by her mother, Kathleen Webb, and her brothers
Warren, Harold, and Brian Webb.
We will celebrate Susan’s life at a Memorial Service later this summer and request memorial gifts be deferred until that time.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Sturm
12 Entries
The Hultgren Family and Staff
March 11, 2021
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Marsha Traynor
May 19, 2021
I just heard this news. "Susie" was a wonderful big sister to my best friend, Sheila. She was a very special person. I will always remember her wonderful laugh! Rest in peace Susie. I know you and Sheila are now together, taking care of each other. My condolences to the whole family.
Tess Bradley & family
April 11, 2021
Thank you for your service helping children with special needs. Thank you for the lunches and time spent with us. Thank you for your kindness!
So very sorry for your family and friends heart breaking loss. Sending prayers!
EDYTA ROG
March 24, 2021
I am honored to had known Susan. She was a great mother, neighbor and a friend. Always smiling, always positive, always caring. I am going to miss her very much. I am sending prayers and comforting hugs to the family. I am sorry for your loss and hope you are surrounded by much love and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr Don Grossnickle
March 15, 2021
To Michelle and Nicole: Offering you both a big hug of love and condolences. It has been so long since I had the wonderful opportunity to work hand in hand on student scheduling at Addison Trail. How I hope one day to reunite and share memories. Your mom and dad are glowing in heaven as they did so proud of you. I share in admiration of you both. I am delighted to have known all four of the Sturm’s via my career. I lift up a prayer you can find a place of peace tapping memories and thanksgiving to warm your hearts amid any sadness and loss. My prayer is to meet you once again and catch up and reminisce. Blessings my friends. Don Grossnickle. ❤
Jim Riley
March 12, 2021
Dear Keith ~ My Thoughts & Prayers Go To Your Whole Family !! ~ Our Loved Ones move on to Their Next Journey Of Life, BUT THE MEMORIES ARE FOREVER ! ~ PEACE MY FRIEND !
Jan Pietron
March 12, 2021
My sympathy to Susan’s daughters and their families. Sue and I worked together at Roosevelt University for 10 wonderful years after full time retirement. Those were fun times! We both enjoyed teaching and helping future teachers get prepared for the education field. Sue was a joy to be with and work with. After the work came the lunches together which was equally fun! She is sincerely missed! Jan Pietron
Kirsten Sorensen
March 11, 2021
To our dear Aunt Susie, We thank you for the countless holidays and get togethers, the special milestones shared, and the genuine enthusiasm you had for all things family. We love you, and miss your bright spirit so very much.
Jeff Ehrmantraut
March 11, 2021
Always fun to be around. She will be missed.
Holly Parks
March 10, 2021
I miss her so much. She was the best. Much love to you girls.
Debbie Whiston
March 10, 2021
Susan was the best person to work with for over 12 years and have known for over 42 years. She made work fun and an excellent team partner. We laughed and laughed. She even asked me to be her guest speaker when she was teaching at Roosevelt. I was so nervous and she made it seem easy. She was my friend, my counselor, my coworker, and I felt she was like a sister. Sue will be missed terribly. She loved life and loved almost everyone she met and everyone loved Sue.
Kim (Hammond) Beckstrom
March 10, 2021
Nichole and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your mom was a special lady - so kind and always with a smile on her face. Sending love and hugs.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results