Suzanne “Sue” Hall, 83
Suzanne “Sue” Hall passed away on January 7, 2023, with her family at her side.
She was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1939, and raised in Leavenworth, Kansas. She graduated from Leavenworth High School, the University of Kansas, and Kansas State Teachers’ College with her BS and Master’s degrees.
She married Kent D. Hall in 1962. They have two children, Sheri (Curt) Johnson of Mt. Pleasant, Wis., and Doug (née Kathleen) Hall of Everett, Wash. She also has grandchildren, Jessica and Kaitlin Hall, and Colin, Michael, and Kaitlin James of Washington.
She is survived by her sister, Marge Black of Arizona, and brother, Tom (Deborah) Tinsley of Colorado. Also, in-laws, Mollie (Nelson) Allen, CJ (Ann) Hall, Mark Hall, Morris (Debbie) Hall, and 14 wonderful nieces and 16 nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Herb Tinsley of Leavenworth, KS; sisters, Ruth Tinsley and Shirley Lynch (Dennie), of Joplin, MO, and four sisters-in-law of Missouri, grandparents and aunts and uncles of Kansas.
Her family was her greatest pleasure in life followed by her love of teaching, especially teaching science. They enjoyed traveling during their breaks to the Caribbean and South America. She also had a passion for cheering on the Green Bay Packers and University of Kansas basketball as well as watching the summer Olympics and playing bridge.
She taught Science Methods at the University of Kansas and UW-Stevens Point. She also taught upper grades in Kansas and Stevens Point, mostly at Kennedy and Bannach Elementary Schools. She also taught for six years with the “Indian Teacher Corps” on four reservations in Wisconsin, and summers at the University in Akron, Ohio.
When she was diagnosed with level 4 colon-liver cancer and found that “God wasn’t ready for her yet,” she “refocused” and then taught “STEAM” and “College Days for Kids” at UWSP and at the MEAD Wildlife Center.
She was a Polymer Ambassador for the American Chemical Society and traveled throughout the USA to National Science Teacher conventions to teachers on how to implement polymers into their curriculums.
She and her husband, Kent, were highly involved with track and running and started SPARC (Stevens Point Area Running Club) in 1980 for athletes during the summer months. They were pleased area coaches joined in to help train the over 150 participants. They also liked to cheer on their daughter and son with cross country, track, and football during their high school and college years.
Sue was also involved in many community activities. She was the President of the Junior Women’s Club and co-chairperson to raise money to build the Pfiffner Park band shell. She was the state Conservation chairperson and was on Gaylord Nelson’s first Earth Day Committee. She served on several boards of directors—including the YMCA, where she was the first female to receive the “Service to Youth” award—Mead Wildlife, Aldo Leopold Audubon, Stevens Point Parks Board, and BRAW (Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin).
She was active in the League of Women Voters, Circle of Hope, co-chairperson of Daffodil Days for the American Cancer Society, Girl Scout, and Cub Scout leader, “Christmas is for Children,” PEO, and Trinity Lutheran Church, where she served as a Stephen Minister and Lay assistant.
Sue helped start the “Living with Cancer Support Group” at St. Michael’s in 1998 and was active in supporting cancer survivors.
Memorial services for Sue will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1410 Rogers Street in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Rev. Ted Johanson will officiate the service.
Visitation will be held at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point, on Friday, Jan. 13 from 3-6 p.m. and again Saturday morning at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be at the Mt. Muncie Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS, at the Tinsley family plot with her parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, 2801 Hoover Rd., Unit B, Stevens Point, Wis., 54481, designated for the Aldo Leopold Audubon Society Fund.
Shuda Funeral Chapel in Stevens Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.
