DEATH NOTICE: Susan A. Pitsavas, 67

Susan A. Pitsavas, 67, of Wadsworth, Ill., and formerly of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Northfield, MN, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, surrounded by many loved ones.

She was born June 12, 1946 to Leona (Gullickson) and Clifford Geissler in Chippewa Falls.

Susan met the love of her life, Gus Pitsavas, in the early 1970s while working at his restaurant, Gus’ Pizza. They were later married on Aug. 9, 1986 in Northfield, Minn. He preceded her in death on Aug. 11, 1987.

Susan was an amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She truly had a heart of gold. Susan was known to be a fighter; she never gave up on anything or anyone. She was a person who would borrow a dollar to lend a dollar. She had a way of accepting everyone as family, and treated them as such. She was always there to give a hand or a hug when someone was in need of one.

While in her presence, one would be sure to smile and laugh. Susan enjoyed having a good time and also hanging out at home while in the company of family and friends. She enjoyed crocheting blankets for loved ones, playing Yahtzee and even coming up with backwards Yahtzee — those were just some of her favorite pastimes.

Collecting movies was a hobby and something she was known for, but most of all, Susan spent her life with her grandchildren and family members. She will be dearly missed not just by her family but also by the many people she touched throughout her life.

She is survived by: her son, James Barton of Genoa City; daughters Amy Kolve of St. Paul, Minn., Melissa (Jeff) Vinzant of Knapp, Kristine (Brian) Kruse of Dundas, Minn., Karri Holmes of Eau Claire and Alecia Pitsavas of Pensacola, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Patricia (Robert) Neal of Wadsworth, Ill., Karen (Gene) Schroeder of Augusta and Kim (James) Jensen of Eau Claire; a brother, Gary (Judy) Geissler of Milwaukee; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Gus; her sister, Darla; and brother, William.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17 at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls, with Deacon Dan Rider officiating.

Visitation will be from 12-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. At 3 p.m., friends and family are welcome to follow in the funeral procession from the funeral home to Forest Hill Cemetery for the graveside service.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls, is serving the family.

Visit pedersonvolker.com to express condolences online.

— This death notice is from the Chippewa Herald website.