Susan L. Sloniker

Susan “Sue” L. Sloniker, age 75, of Hazelhurst, WI, passed away peacefully at home on April 27, 2025, surrounded by the care of Aspirus Hospice and the unwavering love of her partner of 45 years, Karin A. Long. Sue was born on December 12, 1949, to Delbert and Shirley Sloniker. She is survived by her beloved Karin; mother, Shirley Sloniker; brother, Gary (Cindy) Sloniker; niece, Sara (Tom) Kiral and their daughters, Emma and Maddie; niece, Michelle (Housni) Kabdi and their sons Zak and Eli; as well as many dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Delbert and her brother, Mark Sloniker. Sue was a proud graduate of Medford High School and pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, UW-Madison, and UW-Green Bay, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. A gifted and passionate juried artist, Sue’s work was featured in the prestigious Ann Arbor Art Fair. Over the years, she founded and operated four pottery studios; one in Manitowoc, “Mudlark” and “Riverhouse” in Milwaukee, and “5 S Studio” in Hazelhurst, where her creativity flourished in the beauty of the Northwoods. Sue also dedicated many years to public service with the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services, from which she retired before she and Karin moved north to the Willow Flowage area to enjoy a quieter life immersed in nature. Her life was marked by strength, humor, and bold individuality. An athlete and advocate, Sue ran a marathon at the age of 40 and once drew cheers at Milwaukee’s “Take Back the Night” march- an event protesting sexual violence- by breaking a board in half with a backward karate kick. She and Karin were the first women to have a boat slip at the Milwaukee Marina, and together they participated in wildlife conservation projects like the University of Wisconsin’s “Bat Counts” and “Frog and Toad Counts”. Sue will be remembered for her artistic spirit, fierce sense of justice, deep compassion, generous nature, and the love she shared with those that knew her. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the art she created, and the beauty she brought to the world. A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at a later date.

Susan L. Sloniker

December 12, 1949 - April 27, 2025