Susan Elizabeth “Susie” Volker, 56, of Fisher, MN, passed away early Monday morning, August 14, 2023, in Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND, with members of her loving family at her side. In 2016 Susie Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer and beat it. On August 4th, 2023, Susie was diagnosed with Metastatic breast cancer. Unfortunately, it was a battle she was unable to win.
Susie was born in Crookston, MN on July 30, 1967, the youngest of 5 children of the union of William Lawrence and Joan Bernadette (Harty) Barrus. She was baptized and confirmed in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and raised in a very loving home. While growing up Susie’s earliest claim to fame was when her birthday became the first to be celebrated at the newly opened Happy Joe’s Pizza Parlor. She attended Cathedral School through the 8th grade before going on to Central High School and graduating with the Class of 1985. While in school Susie worked for her parents at Baloney Bill’s Bar and Restaurant and continued her employment with the family business for several years after graduation. In 1994 she moved to Grand Forks and worked at the Bronze Boot for a few years before beginning employment in the custodial department of the Grand Forks County Courthouse. In 1997 she accepted a position with the GF County Recorder’s Office and had been working there to the present time. Susie was united in marriage to David Wayne Volker on November 6, 1999, in Crookston’s Cathedral. The couple made their home on the family farm near Fisher and Susie was a very proud Mom to her daughter, Kaydee, in all her activities and accomplishments throughout the years.
Susie’s bubbly personality endeared her to her work colleagues and all who were a part of her life over the years. She held longtime memberships in the Cathedral parish and Crookston Eagles Auxiliary and for many years bowled in a league with her Eagles girlfriends and played several seasons of softball with her gal pals in Crookston’s Park and Rec program. Susie loved to cook for family and friends and decorate for each and every holiday as it approached on the calendar. Or as Dave very subtlety put it, “she pointed out what needed to be done and I climbed the ladder”.
Susie made it a point to enjoy every flower growing in her beautiful gardens and every sunset that blessed her day. She recently made it to Lake Wabedo, near Walker, MN, where many a memory was created from her time as a young girl vacationing with her family and continued to present day. Her last pontoon ride was extra special and though she could no longer jump into the cold lake water as she once did her spirits remained high.
Susie takes leave of Dave, her beloved husband of 23 years; their daughter, Kaydee, who will soon begin her Junior year at Fisher High School; and her 4 siblings and spouses: Timothy and Becky Barrus of Fargo, ND, Steve and Missy Barrus of Bemidji, MN, Annie and Mark Perreault of Walker, MN, and John and Norma Barrus of Crookston, MN. From Dave’s family she is survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Barbara and Bob Palmer of Cooksville, TN, Elaine and Sam York of Manchester, TN, Pamela and Scott Wold of Moorhead, MN, Karla Joosten of Longford, KS, and Dennis Volker of Fargo; together with nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends. Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Joan Barrus; parents-in-law, Harold and Darlene Volker; and several aunts and uncles. Blessed be Susie’s memory.
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Susie Volker will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 21, 2023, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston, with Msgr. David Baumgartner, presiding. Visitation will for one hour prior to the service. The funeral will be livestreamed by going to either www.crookstoncathedral.com or www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may be offered to the family on Susie’s obituary page of the funeral home website.
A Go Fund Me account has been established in Susie’s name and contributions can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-volker-family
