Susan C. Kraut

Susan Carole Kraut (February 16, 1938-September 20, 2023) Susan (Suzy) passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at home. She is survived by her son David Cella III of Manitowish Waters and daughter, Karen (Kerrie) Burress of Arbor Vitae; four grandchildren, Brent Cella, Andrew Cella of Minocqua WI, and Cameron Burress and Lillianne Burress of Colorado and four great grandchildren. Susan is preceded in death by her daughter Kristin, husband Robert Kraut, mother Carole, father Henry (Lloyd), sister Nancy and brother Henry as well as many treasured friends. Born in Bessemer, MI Susan resided in Manitowish Waters for a majority of her life where she enjoyed helping with the family resort, spending time with family and creating great memories with friends. Susan had a zest for life and an adventurous spirit. In her youth she was an original member of the Manitowish Waters ski club (Skiing Skeeters) and had a brief career as an airline stewardess for Capital Airlines. She received her high school education at Downer Seminary in Milwaukee and graduated from Stephens College in Missouri in 1958. Susan’s first marriage to David L Cella Jr, produced three children: Kristin (Kris), David (Dave) and Karen (Kerrie). The marriage dissolved in 1975 and Susan remarried Robert Kraut in 1979 (widowed in 1983). In the 80-90’s Susan held a WI real estate license and managed Voss’ Breezy Point Resort following her mother’s health decline. Susan deeply loved her family and friends. Her genuine kindness, compassion and good humor made her many life-long friends and she was beloved “Auntie Sue” to many of their children. She also was beloved by family pets who, with adoration, would wiggle with delight at her attention and affection. Her quiet dignity and resilience while surviving several serious health adversities in adulthood was summarized by her saying “I’m so lucky” and going on about living. In death she looked forward to reuniting with sister Nancy, daughter Kris, mother Carole and the friends who knew and loved her best in life. She could recite passages from The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, by heart. “Who among you does not feel that his power to love is boundless? And yet who does not feel that very love, though boundless, encompassed within the centre of his being, and moving not from love thought to love thought, not from love deeds to other love deeds? And is not time even as love is, undivided and spaceless? But if in your thought you must measure time into seasons, let each season encircle all the other seasons, and let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing.” “Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.” In lieu of flowers or gifts, a charitable gift to Smile Train is appreciated. https://donate.smiletrain.org/ Private Celebration of Life to be held at Voss' Birchwood Lodge Saturday, September 30th, 2023, 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

Susan C. Kraut

February 16, 1938 - September 20, 2023