Susan Mary Weitzel Ogard, lovingly known as Mama Suz, was born April 22, 1954, to Albert and Mary Lou Weitzel in Bridgeport NE. Susan graduated Bridgeport High School in 1972 and married Monty Ogard, in Hastings, NE. The joy of their lives, Melissa was born in 1973. Susan was involved in the family farm operation south of town, preparing many noon dinners with homemade bread and dessert. For many years she worked as an aide in the Bridgeport School system. Susan had an extraordinary talent to connect with students, was very involved in the community and Bulldog activities, taught CCD and was an active parishioner in All Souls Catholic Church.
While pursuing her degree and living in Grand Island, Susan managed the Read All About It Bookstore where she shared her passion for books and love of reading with family, friends and students at Grand Island Central Catholic High School. She received her BS in Human Resources from Bellevue University in 1997 and joined the Principal Financial Group in 1998, later relocating to Denver as a Senior Service Specialist where she consistently provided outstanding service to clients and advisors in the retirement services industry. She was an amazing teammate, co-worker, and “office mom” to everyone.
A music lover, book reader, line dancer, and trail hiker, Susan also enjoyed playing cards and games (with pure focus on beating Doug), seeing movies and tending to her flowers. She was a loyal friend to many and known to be an excellent listener who was always willing to lend an ear and a hand. A passionate traveler, Susan embraced the culture, architecture, history and enjoyed a stout or hard cider from the many countries she visited.
As the middle child of seven, and with a keen sense of humor, Susan was the family constant. She was unselfishly devoted to her parents. To her brothers and sisters, Susan was the organizer, the voice of reason and often cast the tie breaking vote. To her many nieces and nephews, Mama Suz was always present, engaged, and in attendance for every life event.
A loving “Oma” to her grandchildren, Susan never missed an activity. She had waited patiently for this role, and when Finn and Louisa arrived it brought her so much joy and gave her life new meaning. She attended school events, was an avid fan in the gym and at the ball diamond and became a much-loved surrogate Oma to all who knew her.
Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Mary Lou Weitzel, Bridgeport, NE; her brother and sister-in-law, John and Sanda Weitzel, St. Paul, NE; her brother-in-law, Mike Wrage, Tampa, FL, and her great nephew, Case Schoening, Sidney, NE.
Susan is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Patrick Slavin, Westminster, CO, grandchildren Finneas and Louisa Slavin. Survivors include sisters, Linda Thoms, Scottsbluff, NE; Nancy (Doug) Brandt, Bayard, NE; JoAnn (Jon) Hunter, Cheyenne, WY; Kathy Wrage, Tampa, FL; brother, Don Weitzel, Atlanta, GA. Nieces and nephews include Paul (Lynn) Weitzel, Woodbury, MN; Michele (Jeff) Housh, Hay Springs, NE; Craig Weitzel, Denver CO; Tami (Kevin) Reilly, St. Paul, NE; Amy (Matt) Oliver, Grand Island, NE; Nichole (Brett) Schneider, Coppell, TX; Jon (Teresa) Bentley, Scottsbluff, NE; Holly (Jason) Rogers, Scottsbluff, NE; Troy (Renae) Brandt, North Platte, NE; Jason (Dez) Brandt, Gering, NE; Sarah (Chris) Wilson, Bozeman, MT; Lisa (Clint) Taylor, Cheyenne, WY; Tyler (Elizabeth) Wrage, Dade City, FL; Jared (Betty) Wrage, Tampa, FL; Shelby Weitzel, Bluffton, SC; numerous great nieces and nephews. Close family survivors also include Yvonne Ogard, Vista, CA, and nephews Shane, Jason and Chris Ogard.
Susan’s life will be celebrated with a Vigil and Rosary on Sunday, August 4 at 7:00 p.m. with a funeral Mass on Monday, August 5 at 10:30 a.m. at All Souls Catholic Church, Bridgeport, NE.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Susan’s name to All Souls Catholic Church, 617 P Street, Bridgeport, NE 69336 and The Gathering Place / A Refuge for Rebuilding Lives, 1535 High Street, Denver, CO 80218. Fond memories and condolence may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com.
A block of rooms at the Cobblestone Inn, Bridgeport, NE 308-262-7900 are being held, under the Susan Ogard Family.
A celebration of life in Colorado will be held at a date to be determined.
