Sue Marie Merchen, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Thursday September 10, 2026. She was born on August 10, 1962, in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of John Richard and Evelyn (Seaver) Anderson. Throughout her life, Sue placed great importance on her faith, her family and her friends.

Sue received her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Western Illinois University in 1984. and enjoyed a successful career as a Public Relations Director for Winnebago County Health Department in Rockford, Illinois. Sue enjoyed gardening, walking, connecting with people, golfing, traveling, Wisconsin Badger Women’s Volleyball, spending time with family and friends.

On March 12, 2016, Sue was united in marriage with Kevin Merchen at Christ the Rock Lutheran Church in Rockford. The couple made their home in Rockford until they moved to Mequon in December of 2025. She was a beloved and devoted wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

Sue is survived by her husband Kevin, sister Kathy (Anderson) Weiss and her husband Dan of Milwaukee, WI, niece Elizabeth Weiss, great niece and nephew Simone and Eddie Hall of Chicago, IL, and niece Sarah (Weiss) Harriss of Minneapolis, MN, father-in-law and mother-in-law Arthur and Elnore (Strobel) Merchen of Grafton, WI, aunt Margaret “Peg” (Seaver) Snudden of Beaver Dam, WI, Godmother Mary Walter of Minneapolis, MN as well as many cousins, friends and in-laws. She is predeceased by her mother, father, grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave, Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am with a service following at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sue’s name to:

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital

Hope to Dream (provides beds to underserved children)