Age: 64
March 7, 1957 – March 7, 2021
Susan Stelman Tomsche (Disch), 64, passed peacefully at home on her birthday with her family by her side after a year-long battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She fought hard to the very end, and leaves a legacy of love and caring through a wide network of friends and family. She will be remembered for her enduring kindness, upbeat personality, and high-energy approach to life. Her family affectionately called her the Energizer Bunny because she was always on the move, whether it was driving to Minneapolis and back in an evening to catch a Gophers game, running from client meetings to social events, traveling the world, or just dropping everything to help someone in need. She was a unique and beautiful soul.
Susan was born in Duluth, MN on March 7, 1957 to Lloyd and Betty Sue Disch, the oldest of three. And she lived up to the “oldest” role: She made sure everyone around her was well taken care of, was the first to provide her opinion on any given situation, and more than anything else, loved her family and friends with her whole heart.
A graduate of Duluth Central High School, Susan worked hard while raising her family, and went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in 1998 before getting licensed to become a financial advisor. She had found her calling, and spent the next 20+ years building a successful practice with Waddell & Reed. She cherished the relationships she developed with her clients, and is one of those rare people who could say she truly loved her job.
In 2011, Susan met Daniel Tomsche, the love of her life, and spent every minute since on one adventure or another, including their marriage at the Nicollet Island Inn on September 17, 2016. They traveled the world together, and opened up to Sue a whole new world of “bonus” family and friends.
Susan is preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Disch. She is survived by multitudes of loving family: Her beloved, Dan Tomsche; mother, Betty Sue Disch; siblings Steve (Sherrie) Disch and Sally Engen; daughters Marie (Dean) Hensel, Carrie (Benjamin) Kelley, and Casey Stelman; grandchildren Cooper, Carter, and Elise Hensel; John Stelman, the father of her girls; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and more. She was also loved dearly by her bonus kids: Grant (Andrea) Tomsche, Mackenzie (Justin) Lampert, and Myles (Kaitlyn) Tomsche; and grandkids Ila, Olin, Charlotte, and Ryleigh Tomsche.
The Funeral Mass in remembrance of Susan Stelman Tomsche will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 26 at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. There will be a visitation held for from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 25 at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home of Albany as well as one hour prior to the Mass at church from 10-11 AM on Friday. A celebration of life is planned for this summer in Duluth, MN. Details to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the ALS Association, which provided wonderful care and support throughout her journey.
Schedule and Information
Visitation Details
There will be a visitation held for from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 25 at the Miller-Carlin Funeral Home of Albany as well as one hour prior to the Mass at church from 10-11 AM on Friday. A celebration of life is planned for this summer in Duluth, MN. Details to be determined.
Service Details
The Funeral Mass in remembrance of Susan Stelman Tomsche will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 26 at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany.
23 Comments. Leave new
I have such fond memories of Susan. I so proud to call her friend💗
I feel so blessed to have known her. She had such a vivacious personality and lit up any room she was in. My heartfelt condolences to Dan and her extended family.
Just now found Susie’s funeral info. Sob. Sniff. Seeing her picture was just like looking at you, Betty Sue, with dark hair.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and love to Susan’s family.
To all the family and friends who Sue touched with her love we send our condolences for your heartbreaking loss. We hope your grief will be softened by the memories of the happier times times you spent with her.
I was shocked to hear that Sue had ALS and passed away after seeing her for the first time in years at a wedding in Duluth in 2019. She was a sweetheart of a lady – never a bad thing to say about anyone and always upbeat. Some of my very best childhood memories are growing up in the same neighborhood as the Disch’s and being over at your house – always a great time! Steve, Sally and Mrs. Disch – I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you have gone through this past year and now with her passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark (Schmidt)
Sue meant so much to us, first as a neighbor, welcoming us to the neighborhood. She then became our trusted advisor, successfully steering us towards retirement. And over all these years, we came to consider her a friend first. It is our immense good fortune, in so many ways, to have known Sue.
Tony and I are so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. She was a lovely lady and we enjoyed her as our financial advisor. God bless all of you.
The most difficult thing in life is saying goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us too soon. Sue was an amazing woman. She had such energy, intellect, but most of all love for her family and her clients. Her heart knew no boundaries. It encompassed all peoples. I felt so blessed to have had Sue as my advisor for almost 20 years but her love and friendship will always be deeply valued and missed.
Carrie, Dan, and the rest of the family we are praying for your comfort and peace in your grief. May your memories sustain you.
God’s Peace,
Cathy and Bruce Burton
We are so sorry to hear this. Sue, you are truly flying amongst the angels. You were so kind and I knew immediately, we hit it off as friends. We both had the same spunk. I’m so saddened but know you are with God. I’m so glad we visited this summer. Dan, our deepest sympathies to you and Sue’s family. Dan, please stop by this summer at our cabin. We’d love to have you. I’ll miss Sue so much !! She was beautiful!! A great person.
Sue and Myron
My heart is so sad today! I always looked forward to meeting with Sue as she was such a bubbly and happy person. My deepest sympathy to you and her family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Such a wonderful, helpful person. So sad for your loss.
We have been blessed to have known her. Our love and prayers continue to be with all of you. Praise be to God her suffering has ended. He is holding her in his hand. She waits for you until you meet again.
We have lost a dear sweet friend that was there to help us over the many years that we have known Sue. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue and her family during this time of grief. We are so sorry for your loss. She was one of the best people you would want to be around.
We are so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. We can only imagine how difficult this must be for your family. You have our sympathy, thoughts & prayers.
The picture and words you’ve shared above are how we will always remember her……..smiling, optimistic & cheerful.
Dan & Ann Peterson
I am shocked and saddened that Sue left us so soon after being diagnosed with ALS. I enjoyed working with Sue at the City of Duluth and having her for my financial advisor. She did such a great job of helping us plan for our retirement and I am so sorry she didn’t get to enjoy a longer retirement.
Susan was a smart yet personal individual who really cared about her clients in a way that made people feel confident. She was too young and too full of energy to go. The world will miss hers sense of community.
Sue has left an impression on everyone she met. I have never known such a cheerful, kind, helpful, and energetic young lady. She always showed such a genuine interest in the people she served. Our prayers are with her family. She will be greatly missed.
We really looked forward to our yearly visits with Sue. She was tons of fun and her energy was contagious. She will really be missed. So very sorry for your loss.
I was so sad to hear of Sue’s passing. She was not only my financial advisor, I considered her a dear friend. She came into my life 20 years ago and helped me put my life on track regarding my finances. I will be eternally grateful for her wisdom, her kindness, and will always remember her great sense of humor! I am so happy she lived her life to the fullest and has such a wonderful family, and she found the love of her life Dan whom she talked about every time I saw her. I will miss Sue greatly. I am so sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss of this beautiful vibrant person who was so easy to work with and most always led to a friendship also! I am sure her loss will leave a big whole in many persons lives
I want to extend to Dan (high school classmate) my sincere condolences on the loss of the love of your life. Can’t imagine the sorrow you’re feeling right now. Please know we hold you in thought and prayer. Linda (Dave) Klaphake Wenker
I am so sorry to hear about Sue. She was such a wonderful person. I always looked forward to meeting with her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🙏🙏