Suzanne L. Rasey

Suzanne (Sue) Lebedeff Rasey died peacefully on February 17 in Minocqua. Sue was the only child of Russian immigrants Margaret and Michael (Misha) Lebedeff and was born on September 19, 1926 in California. Her family later moved to Chicago. She met the love of her life Peter Rasey at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin; they graduated together in the class of 1948. Married in Chicago, they made their home in Wauwatosa. Pete preceded her in death in 2005. Their daughter Anne was born in 1961 and preceded Sue in death in 2016. Sue is survived by nephews, Michael, Daniel, and Timothy O’Neil and their families including her goddaughter Kelly (O’Neil) Martinko of Mercer, WI. Sue and Pete purchased their home on Stone Lake in Manitowish Waters in 1976 and moved there full time in 1982 when Pete retired. Sue and Pete immediately took the roles of community leaders. Believing strongly in community work, Sue had served as President of the Wauwatosa Women’s Club. In Manitowish Waters she put all of her energy into the new library. Sue informally founded the Friends of the Library in 1988, dedicated to raising funds and providing programs. Their annual fund raiser champagne brunch was held at Little Bohemia. Sue turned her library work over to The Friends of Koller Library and she and Pete got involved in the North Lakeland Discovery Center as it grew from an environmental education program for North Lakeland School, and the Community Church in Manitowish Waters where they were active community members and leaders in the annual Fleazar. One of Sue’s greatest gifts was hospitality. Sue loved to give parties in her boathouse, ride her bike, and laugh. Sue loved to make others laugh and was the best darn punster in the Northwoods. She was always helping friends and neighbors, providing meals when they were sick or dealing with personal challenges. Sue kept track of birthdays and sent cards-even submitting them to Channel 12 in Rhinelander to be read during the early morning news. A memorial service to celebrate Sue’s meaningful life will be held 11:00 AM at the Manitowish Waters Community Church on Monday, July 30, 2018. The family gives special thanks to Nellie Herrmann, her loyal friend and care taker, her professional caregivers, and the many friends who visited her in recent years. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mercer Food Pantry, the North Lakeland Community Center, or the Manitowish Waters Community Church.

Suzanne L. Rasey

September 19, 1926 - February 17, 2018