Suzanne L. “Sue” Thorsness

Suzanne L. “Sue” Thorsness, age 77, of Galena, IL, formerly of Schaumburg, IL, completed her earthly journey on April 26, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque with her loving husband by her side.  To honor Sue’s life, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Sue’s family.

Sue was born on July 12, 1947, in Chicago, IL, a daughter to Robert and Dorothy (Christensen) Juull.  She possessed a quiet and gentle spirit and thoroughly enjoyed the simple moments in life as they came.  Sue was born and raised in the Chicago area and was a proud graduate of East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, IL.  She eventually made her way into the Athletic Directors Secretary position and invested over 25 years of her time and talents with the Schaumburg School District before retiring in 2007.  Upon retirement, Sue and her husband, Bob, made their way to Galena, IL, to enjoy the simple life and reap the fruits of their labors.  She found true joy and contentment in spending her days in the rural Galena setting surrounded by peace and tranquility at every turn.  Sue savored countless hours watching the abundance of beautiful birds at her feeders and always looked forward to having a deer walk unassumingly in her vicinity.  Only the added texture of a little Neil Diamond playing in the background could perfect each day even more.  Sue was an avid Chicago Black Hawks fan and made a point to catch a few games here and there with her friends when time allowed. 

Sue enjoyed the finer things in life as well and always found time to visit her favorite supper clubs in the area.  She was a common fixture at Fried Green Tomatoes, Timmerman’s and the Moracco, among many others as she regularly ventured out for a nice relaxing evening of conversation with her husband, Bob, good friends and fine food.  She also treasured the ability to get a little traveling in from time to time and when her wine dinners locally needed a little extra enhancement, it was the perfect opportunity to venture right out to the Napa Valley and taste the excellent vintages firsthand.  Sue kept life uncomplicated whenever possible and always looked for the best parts of each day to fill her heart and soul with joy.  It’s difficult to imagine moving forward without Sue in our midst, and her sudden passing is almost more than our hearts can take, but we will be forever grateful for the 77 years that the Lord was gracious enough to share her with us and will now wait patiently to see her beautiful smile once again.  Thank you, Sue, for bringing so much love and light into the world around you and may peace be yours today as we seek peace in your lovely memory.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Sue include,

her adoring soul-mate,

Robert A. “Bob” Thorsness, Galena, IL;

her daughter,

Kimberly Harkins, Elgin, IL;

her four grandchildren,

Andrew Osimowicz, Alaina Osimowicz, Tyler (Heather) Schulz, and Megan (fiancé Josh Rice) Schulz;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Michelle Schulz; and her first husband of 18 years, Bill Harkins.

Sue’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.  We would also like to extend a very sincere and heartfelt thank you to the nurses on the 4^th floor rehab unit at Finley Hospital who worked so diligently towards helping Sue with her stroke recovery.

Online condolences may be shared with Sue’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com