Obituary of Susan K. ten Broeke

Our beloved Susan (Susie, Grandma Susie, Boopa) left this life peacefully, surrounded by her family, on April 18.

Susan was raised in Ohio, then Texas, by her loving parents Don and Dorothy Zerkle. She grew up as a feisty Texas gal, a drummer in her high school drum corps, and always had a big heart for people struggling with poverty or personal concerns. Susan attended Texas Women’s University in Denton, TX.  On a blind date during Christmas vacation, she met the man who would become the love of her life, and with whom she would share nearly 55 years of marriage.

Susan and Dr. Jim ten Broeke raised their two daughters in Iowa City, Iowa, where Susan was known as a favorite mom among neighborhood kids, and the loudest cheerleader at swim meets. Susan was an avid reader, had a natural gift for drawing, and enjoyed a career as a custom framer. In recent years, Jim and Susan relocated to Minneapolis to be near their daughters’ families. Susan loved cooking, musicals, and the women at the nail and hair salon who gave her such joy. More than anything, Susan cherished time with family. Many mealtimes, Susan would look around at family and say, “I just feel like the luckiest person on earth.” We are the lucky ones.

Susan’s life is celebrated by her husband, Jim; daughters, Sharon ten Broeke Balke and Cathy ten Broeke (Margaret Miles), and grandchildren, Anya, Lia, and Louie. Susan was preceded in death by parents, Dorothy and Donald Zerkle and sister, Ann.

Service and burial Thursday, May 3,2018, at 2:00pm at the Oakland Cemetery, 1000 Brown St, Iowa City, Iowa 52245. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to The National Kidney Foundation.