Susan M. Miller

Susan Miller, 78, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Sugar Loaf Senior Living after a courageous battle with dementia.

Susan was born on May 4, 1948, in Winona, to Elmer and Margaret (Bauer) Kiedrowski. After her father passed away, Margaret remarried Garrett Marsh.

Our community lost a true gem with the passing of Susan Miller. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor whose kindness, energy, and generosity touched countless lives. Susan was a bright light wherever she went.

Throughout her life, Susan wore many hats and excelled at all of them. She designed clothing for fashion shows at the country club, helped families through Thurley Homes, worked at the brat booth during Steamboat Days, coordinated high school proms, and volunteered countless hours in concession stands for football and basketball. She worked as a nurse, realtor, and volunteered countless hours in the community for numerous non-profit organizations. As a landlord for more than 40 years, she opened her home and her heart to generations of Winona State University students, becoming a second mother to many who were far from home.

Susan loved to travel and embraced adventure wherever she found it. She journeyed to places including Hong Kong, Poland, Iceland, and Vietnam with community groups, bringing her enthusiasm, humor, and knack for keeping things interesting to every trip.

She was a legendary bargain hunter and garage sale queen, turning treasure hunting into both an art form and a way to make lifelong friends. Whether visiting with neighbors, spending time at her farms, or enjoying the outdoors hunting deer, turkey, and bear, Susan found joy in every season of life.

Above all, Susan was devoted to her family. She was the steadfast foundation for her three sons, Todd, Willie (Jessica), and Jeremy (Janel); and a proud grandmother to Gracie, Jakob, Charlie, Drew, Luke, and Tom. She also shared her love generously with the many cats, dogs, ducks, and other animals that found their way into her life—and, of course, with her beloved husband of 49 years, Big Jer.

From Winona to Milwaukee to Jacksonville and back again, Sue was always the life of the party. Her infectious smile, welcoming spirit, and ability to make everyone feel like family left an unforgettable mark on all who knew her.

She was loved deeply and will be missed dearly by those fortunate enough to have shared in her life.

The Miller family would like to extend a very special thank you to the incredible staff in the memory care unit at Sugar Loaf Senior Living and Winona Area Hospice Service. They also appreciate the camaraderie of the residents and families at the facility.

Susan is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; sons Todd, Willie (Jessica), Jeremy (Janel); six grandchildren, Grace, Jakob, Charlie, Drew, Luke, Tom; and sister Judy (David) Walchak.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Margaret; stepfather Garret; and sister Betty Cieminski.

A private family burial will be held, and a celebration of life will be at a later date.

Heaven, beware. Sue has arrived.

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