Susan Jean Kaess

Susan Jean Kaess, 77, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, in Wheaton, Minnesota. She was born on September 27, 1949, in Fort Belknap, Montana, to Fred Jr. and Mary Allery. Throughout her life, Susan built a legacy rooted in faith, family, and love.

Susan graduated from Whitewater High School and went on to attend Montana State University–Northern in Havre, Montana. During fall break, she returned home, where her sister Barb was eager to introduce her to the new schoolteacher in town, Ron Kaess, who had recently arrived from Minnesota.

Their first date took them to a concert in Malta, Montana, to see Charley Pride. At the time, Ron wasn’t much of a country music fan, but he made sure Susan believed otherwise! That memorable evening marked the beginning of a love story that would span 58 years of marriage.

Ron and Susan spent the first three years of their married life in Great Falls, Montana, before making a brief detour back to Moorhead, Minnesota. They eventually settled in Ekalaka, Montana, where they began their family. Their son, Ryan Lee, was born in August 1971, and their daughter, Renee Lynn, completed their family in March 1974.

During their children’s early years, Susan stayed home to care for Ryan and Renee. She was a loving and devoted mother who always put her children’s needs before her own. Her children brought immense love and faith into her heart, and being their mother was her greatest source of happiness. Eventually, the family moved to Circle, Montana, where Susan began a brief career as a receptionist for the local doctor.

Ron and Susan made the decision to settle in Clinton, Minnesota, where they would raise their children. Susan returned to college as a nontraditional student at the University of Minnesota Morris, earning degrees in sociology and liberal arts. She then began her career as a social worker with Big Stone County Social Services. Her strong love of learning and commitment to helping others inspired her to continue her education and pursue a Master of Social Work degree, also from the University of Minnesota Morris.

The brightest spot in her life came when she became a grandma. Being a grandmother to her six grandchildren was the highlight of her life. She cherished every moment spent with them, whether playing together, traveling, taking them to the zoo, or cheering them on at their many activities. She loved attending their games, plays, meets, and concerts, always taking pride in their accomplishments and delighting in their adventures. Her grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy, and being their grandma was one of her greatest blessings.

Upon retirement, Ron and Susan enjoyed many varied adventures together. Despite Susan’s health limitations, they traveled to Mesa, Arizona, every winter, where she especially cherished her time at the All Saints’ Catholic Church campus. She participated in classes and lectures and spent countless hours in the adoration chapel, along with attending daily Mass. She belonged to Sisters in Christ, Seven Sisters, and the Holy Rosary Society. The campus became a special place for Susan, bringing her great joy, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. She treasured every minute she spent there.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Fred Jr. and Mary Allery; her husband Ron’s parents, Joseph and Dorothy Kaess; and her sisters, June Wade and Barb Dunbar.

She is survived by her husband, Ron, of Wheaton, Minnesota; her son, Ryan Kaess, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and her daughter, Renee Drewicke (Matt), of Herman, Minnesota.

She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Shane Kaess, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Paige Kaess (Jordan), of Stillwater, Minnesota; Skyler Morgan (Daniel), of Sanford, North Carolina; James Drewicke, of Chicago, Illinois; Jacob Drewicke, of Herman, Minnesota; and Emily Drewicke, of Herman, Minnesota.

She leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Juliana Sullivan and Mariana Sullivan, both of Stillwater, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Fr. John Paul Knopik Celebrant. Organist will be Cindy Sanasack. Special Music will be provided by the Ave Maria Catholic Church Choir. Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton, Minnesota.