Susan De Chant

Susan De Chant of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away on February 21, 2025, holding the hand of her husband Paul, who stood by her side for more than five decades. Her wry wit, generosity, and kind but fiery spirit remained with her through it all. 

Born Susan Block on September 27th, 1952, she was raised in West Allis and Waukesha as the eldest of six children. She attended Catholic Memorial High School (Class of 1970) and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Class of 1974) where she graduated with a degree in speech pathology. Sue completed her Master’s in speech pathology in 1975.

Sue spent her career as a speech therapist, first in Saukville and then at Decorah Elementary School in West Bend, where she worked with the finest teachers imaginable. Over her thirty-five year career, she touched countless lives with her dedication to her students, their families, and the community. She was a voracious reader, an expert and varied crafter, an exacting copy-editor for both of her children’s dissertations, and a nearly undefeated Scrabble competitor.

Sue is survived by Paul, her husband of 55 years; her children, Tim (Shirley) De Chant and Maura (Bunkhuon) Chhun; and her four beloved grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings, Neil (Mary) Block, Ellen Block, Katie (Erich) Wuerslin, Nancy (John) Jacobson, and Tom Block, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. Block and Sharon L. Block (née Verch).

One of Sue’s passions was travel, both domestic and international. Some of her best memories include a family vacation in Costa Rica in 1998, and a trip with Paul to Kenya and Rwanda in 2017. While in Rwanda, she was able to walk among mountain gorillas, an experience which included the highlight of all her many adventures: having a 300-pound gorilla nearly sit on her foot. (Truthfully, she said it was the highlight of her life but was worried including that detail in an obituary would reflect poorly on her children. As the authors of said obituary, we assured her it was fine. We get it.)

A private service will be held at Lac Lawrann Nature Conservancy on March 1, followed by Sue’s “Going Away Party” from 4-7pm for anyone who wants to come share a story about her. Light refreshments will be served.

Sue’s humor, intelligence, and encyclopedic knowledge of family and local history will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Lac Lawrann Conservancy, and if you are ever feeling chilly, please remember her immortal words of wisdom: “Your mother is cold. Go put on a sweater.”

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Sue’s arrangements. Additional information and Guestbook may be found on www.myrhum-patten.com.