August 17, 1929 – November 12, 2023
Rosemary Antoinette “Sue” Garthus, nee Strom, age 94, of Crown Point, IN, formerly of Crete, IL, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Donald R. Garthus. Loving mother of Sherry (Ross) Centanni, Kevin (Lorie) Garthus, and Dale Garthus. Proud grandmother of Emily (Michael) Vahle, Christopher Barnard, Carolyn, Aimee, Julianne, Kayla, and Evan Garthus; great-grandmother of Charlotte, Cooper, and Ann Camille Vahle. Dear sister of the late John (Binky) Strom, late David (Lana) Strom, and Myrna (late Richard) Mason. Sister-in-law of the late Anna Mae “Bobbie” Strom. Kind aunt of several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents Harold and Myrtle Strom.
Sue was born on August 17, 1929, in Duluth, MN. She was raised on a small farm in Prosit, MN. She often referred to that region of Minnesota as “God’s Country.” The farm had a small lake where at night she could hear the loons and that created a lifelong love for them. Birch trees were her favorite and they reminded her of Minnesota. While she grew up during the Depression, Sue never felt that her family ever went without. Their family lived without modern conveniences such as electricity and indoor plumbing. Their home was 20 feet from the train tracks for the Duluth, Mesabi and Iron Ore Railroad. Sue attended Alborn School all 12 grades.
After graduation she moved to Duluth and her first job was operating an elevator at a Duluth bank. She met her future husband Don at the Hollywood Supper Club in April, 1950 and by August they were engaged. Sue often said she would never marry a man who couldn’t dance and Don was a good dancer. On February 17, 1951, they were married. They lived in Duluth until December, 1960 when they moved to South Holland, IL. They then moved to Perrysburg, OH in June, 1973. In 1979 they moved back to Illinois, settling in Crete. Her years in Crete were full of friends, golf, Crete Women’s Club, and the Red Hats.
Sue loved sewing and playing the piano, mostly by ear. Sue and Don had a very special group of friends called the Odd Couples. With this group they travelled, spent holidays together, went out to dinner and shared some very special times. Sue was raised in the Lutheran Church and had been a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church since 1961. Sue will be remembered for her big smile, her engaging personality and her love and devotion to her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation Friday, November 17, 2023, from 3 – 7 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Funeral service Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 12 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 651 E. 166th Street, South Holland, IL. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Redeemer Lutheran Church. For further information please contact 219-322-7300.
