Susan Catherine Klemm

Susan Catherine (Biderbost) Klemm passed peacefully into eternal life at 6:02 pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, after a courageous 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by family and a close friend praying at her bedside.

Susan was born in Springfield, IL on November 3, 1946, to Otto W. and Agnes (Zink) Biderbost, and was married to John W. Klemm on September 2, 1967, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Springfield.

Susan was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy (1964), St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing (1967), and the College of St. Francis (1981). She was employed as a Registered Nurse at hospitals in Normal, Peoria, Quincy, and Springfield. After her time in various hospitals, Susan worked as a nurse in the office of G.K. Greening, MD, in Springfield for more than 16 years. She retired from her professional nursing career in 1988. For one year before her cancer diagnosis, Susan was employed at Butler Funeral Home in Springfield. She was grateful for her colleagues there and the wonderful experience she had.

Susan was a faithful parishioner of St. Agnes Parish for over 46 years. As their three children were in St. Agnes School for 25 consecutive years, she spent much time volunteering there, both in the library and with health records. Prior to her diagnosis, Susan was a dedicated member of the St. Agnes funeral choir for more than 16 years. She also volunteered for 24 years with her late husband, John, in the SHG Mostaccioli Dinner carryout line. Together with John, Susan planned numerous Class of 1964 reunions for Sacred Heart Academy, Ursuline Academy, and Griffin High School.

Susan loved and was blessed to be a Mom and Grandma/Maymaw, attending recitals, games, and school activities. She especially enjoyed baking, playing board games, and doing puzzles with her grandkids, teaching sewing and crocheting to her eldest granddaughter, and hosting family birthday celebrations and holiday gatherings. Susan also enjoyed learning to repair any item, especially something challenging, using a favorite app.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Mark Andrew; and John, her husband of 58 years, who died on October 26, 2025.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia Vivian of Woodbridge, VA, Stephen (Tamara) of Peoria, and Kevin (Denise) of Springfield; nine grandchildren, Andrew, Claire, Mark, and Adam Vivian and Noah, Lucy, Theo, Annie and Lucas Klemm; siblings, Sr. M. Angelene Biderbost OP of Springfield, William Biderbost (Joanne) of Evanston, and Kathleen Xamis of Quincy; brothers-in-law, Otto (Marie) and Mike (Rita); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, coworkers, and friends.

Susan considered her cancer diagnosis to be a gift, enabling her to say things to loved ones which are often postponed, discover the immense kindness and selflessness of so many people, and prepare her soul for the journey to her eternal home. Her family would like to thank the staff at Memorial Hospice for the care and support they provided to Susan over the past several months.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to services.

A Memorial Gathering will take place at Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield with Fr. Zach Samples officiating.

A private burial ceremony will take place at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial donations in Susan's honor may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, Memorial Fund, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702, or to the Springfield Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62704.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer condolences.