Obituary of Susan Lee Petrikat

PETRIKAT SUSAN

Susan Lee Petrikat was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 9, 1949.  As an infant, she was adopted by Doris (Powers) and Albert Petrikat residing at St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where she also lived with her adopted brother, Peter.  While growing up, the family had many pets, including rabbits, birds, cats and dogs.  After graduating from St. Louis Park High School in 1967, Susan spent a semester at the University of Wisconsin Stout to pursue her interests in criminal law.  She returned to Minnesota to continue her studies at the University of Minnesota.  During this time, Susan accepted a job as Administrative Assistant at U of M where she spent most of her career while also pursuing her studies.

Susan met her lifetime companion, Landon Nusz, during September 1996.  In 2001, due to massive funding cutbacks, Susan was laid off from U of M.  She was able to continue as Administrative Assistant at the University of Minnesota Foundation for another four years before, they too, had to cutback due to the worsening economy.  Then Susan tried to establish a new career by working with various employers in data entry and sales, but the economy continued to worsen.  By 2009, Susan could no longer find work.  During the fall of 2011, police found Susan wandering the streets, not knowing where she was.  Medical testing revealed that she had developed dementia, most likely in the form of Alzheimer’s.  Because all members of Susan’s adopted family had passed on years ago, she accompanied a move to Menno, SD, where the Landon Nusz family facilitated her care.  In September 2016, Susan was admitted to the Menno-Olivet Care Center.  Susan passed on to her heavenly home on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at the age of 68 years.

Susan prefers that any memorial donations be made independently to the organization of your choice.