Susan Leuck, 43, of Kenosha, WI, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa, after a five-year battle with cancer. Born in Kenosha, on May 12, 1979, she was the daughter of John and Iris (Neil) Leuck. She was educated in local schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1997 (proudly with 12 years of perfect attendance). She went on to attend UW-Stevens Point earning her bachelor’s degree, and then received her master’s degree in nursing from Marquette University. It was during her writing of her dissertation for her Ph.D. in nursing that she was diagnosed with cancer. She was in band and cross country in both high school and college, and continued to love to run until her diagnosis. On December 13, 2014, she married Patrick B. McGrath, Ph.D., in Chicago, in an amazing Winter Wonderland ceremony. Susan was employed as a nurse in both Illinois, at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, and Wisconsin, at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, where she was the Behavioral Health Nurse Manager. Survivors include her husband, Patrick B. McGrath, Ph.D.; her parents, John and Iris Leuck; two brothers, Eric (Melissa) and Michael Leuck; three nieces, Caitlin and Jillian Leuck, and Jillian Louie; a nephew, Evan Louie; her in-laws, Pat and Mary Ellen McGrath; her sister-in-law, Julia (Tak) Louie; and a special aunt, Diana Altergott. She is further survived by numerous, amazing family and friends who took time out of their lives to selflessly care for her until the day she passed; and her beloved dog, Bailey (who will continue to be well taken care of in a happy home.) The family would like to thank Aurora at Home Hospice for their staff’s compassionate care, as well as the volunteers at Kenosha Bible Church who had never met Susan and accepted her as a sister anyways. Visitation will take place on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Proko Funeral Home, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at which time a service will begin. To livestream Susan's service, please click on the following link and 6:00 p.m., https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/1210668269 Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, the athletic program at Bradford High School, or the Zilber Family Hospice of Wauwatosa, WI.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Susan’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Jeff Miller
June 3, 2023
My wife and I lived around the corner from Patrick and Susan. We loved when we got a chance to interact with her on her many walks with Bailey- despite the horrific effects of the cancer, she was always a vibrant, positive and engaging soul. We just found out about her passing as we had moved away a few years ago. I'm sure she is gracing the many souls in Heaven with her positive and amazing energy. Our deepest condolences to Patrick and her family - Jeff and Kathy Miller
Patrick McGrath
September 2, 2022
I want to thank all of you that donated trees in memory of Susan. The DeFiore family, the Strom family, Steve Curry, Cyndi Strassburger, Lauren Oswald and Mike Heslinga, Dr. Kaplan, Linda Cao Baker, Greg Chasson, Noel and Bernia Lonergan, Chris and Tami Brown, Renae Reinardy, and Tom and Charlotte Field. Our families appreciate your thoughtfulness in our time of sorrow. Thank you for honoring the memory of Susan.
Rosanne Leuck
August 31, 2022
Mark and I offer our condolences and sympathy to Iris, John , family and friends. We are thinking of you and you are in our prayers.
Jen Hammer
August 30, 2022
Susan rescued me 7 years ago, from a for profit mental health hospital. I was at a crossroads in my nursing career and had switched from physical rehab to mental health, but had a rough go when the patient ratios at a local hospital were 10:1. I met Twanda at this hospital, who told me to apply at CSM, which led me to meet Susan.I called Susan to see if I could come in for an interview, and she just said come to the unit and I’ll show you around. After being at a for profit hospital and then going up to 5th floor and meeting Susan at CSM, it made a world of difference. From the time I met her, she made me feel right at home, and it was the easiest transition I’ve ever had as a nurse. We had a few things in common which made me feel closer to her. We both ran for Point, we both fed our bodies with nutritious food (she was much more careful), we were both nurses, and we both had husbands in the mental health field. I last saw Susan before Covid, and I’m sad because of life events, I haven’t seen her since. I believe that Susan’s distance running mentality helped her to fight and made her still value life even in the hardest times in the past 5 years. She was an inspiration to me before and after her diagnosis. I will carry her with me when I run and remember her fighting spirit.
Joseph Jensen
August 29, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. Diane and Joe Jensen
Tracy Loppnow
August 29, 2022
Susan was a remarkable woman, and the two of you were such a loving couple! Keeping you in my thoughts, Patrick... and wishing you peace during this time of loss. - Tracy, from St Luke's Pain Mgt Clinic
Tara Buesing
August 28, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news about Susan. Even though I only knew her for a small portion of her life, she definitely made an impact on mine. Her smile and infectious personality made a difference to all who knew her. To the Leuck family-my thoughts are with you as you navigate this difficult time. Know that Susan’s spirit will live on with all.
David & Marilyn Lauer
August 27, 2022
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all of Susan's family. John and Iris, we know the pain you are going through, and our special prayers are for you. Those wonderful days of cross country meets at Bradford HS, the CC get-togethers on our deck.... Great memories. May God's loving grace comfort you as you mourn Susan's passing.
Michael Angelo
August 26, 2022
Patrick, I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. I never met Susan, but knowing she was the love of your life, I can't imagine the immeasurably grief you're going through. Thanks for being such a great mentor to me. You touched my life in innumerable ways. I can only imagine how deeply you touched hers, and take comfort in the countless ways that she touched yours.
Kelly Kershaw
August 26, 2022
I had fond memories of visiting both Susan and Patrick with my therapy dog Herbie. I got to see Susan two days prior to her death and Herbie gave her a kiss. Such a special moment. Please take care!
Carol carol knudson
August 26, 2022
There is no night without a dawningNo winter without a springAnd beyond the dark horizonOur hearts will once more sing…For those who leave us for a whileHave only gone awayOut of a restless, care worn worldInto a brighter day.Don’t think of her as gone awayher journey’s just begun,life holds so many facetsthis earth is only one.Just think of her as restingfrom the sorrows and the tearsin a place of warmth and comfortwhere there are no days and years.Think how she must be wishingthat we could know todayhow nothing but our sadnesscan really pass away.And think of her as livingin the hearts of those she touched…for nothing loved is ever lostand she was loved so much.Susan touched many lives. She will be fondly remembered by all whoWere lucky enough to know her. A beautifulSoul gone too soon. Heaven needed another angel.