Sue Minnis

Sue Ann Minnis, age 84, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021, at the Waters on Mayowood in Rochester, MN.

Sue’s adventurous life began in St. Paul, MN.  In the 40s, her parents moved the young family to Dodge Center, MN, where Sue graduated from the Dodge Center High School.  She briefly attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, but decided the ski slopes of Colorado sounded like fun.  So, she packed her bags and headed for the University of Colorado – Boulder.  She majored in English, joined a sorority, and hit the slopes.  At a sorority function, she met a tall, handsome fella named Joe.  She married Joe, the love of her life, on September 1, 1957.

After graduation in 1958, the young couple moved to Nashotah House in Wisconsin where Joe studied to become an Episcopal priest, while Sue wrangled their three small children and organized Bridge games during nap time.

After Seminary, Sue and Joe returned to Broomfield, CO, where they built a mission church.  After six years of growing that congregation, they moved to Wetmore, CO, (population 70), where they built the Episcopal Church Conference Center in the middle of the beautiful Rockies.  Trinity Ranch was also a working cattle ranch, so Sue rode horses, mended fences, helped the camp cook, and tried to keep the four adventurous kids from exploring too far from the main house.

In March 1972, the family moved to a farm covered in three feet of snow in Winona, MN, where they spent 18 years farming.  Joe served Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rushford, MN, where Sue played the organ.  Driving tractor, canning tomatoes, playing the piano, plus helping with many 4-H projects, as well as band and sports activities kept Sue busy.

After leaving Winona, Joe and Sue spent eight years serving several churches in the Green Bay, WI, area.

Upon retiring, they decided to dismantle an 1880 log home they found in the upper peninsula of Michigan and moved it piece by piece to their beautiful lake in Boulder Junction, WI.  At the cabin, spending time fishing, canoeing, sewing, playing the piano, and spending time with the kids, grandkids, and their many friends is what Sue enjoyed most.

Sue joined her husband, Joe, in heaven on Monday, June 14, 2021.  She leaves behind her children: Joe and Wendy, Amy, Beth and Pete, and Paul and Mary Kay; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many beloved friends to cherish her adventurous spirit.

A family graveside service and burial will be held at the Nashotah House Cemetery in Nashotah, WI.

The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Manitowish in Boulder Junction, WI.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Sue’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home of Winona, MN, is assisting the family with arrangements.