• Memorial Visitation: Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 1 pm – 3 pm at STAR OF BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH (3700 S. Casper Drive, New Berlin, Wisconsin)

• Memorial Service: Sunday, June 14, 2026 from at 3 pm at STAR OF BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH (3700 S. Casper Drive, New Berlin, Wisconsin)

Susan Mary Buelow-Godec

Susan Mary Buelow-Godec (nee Barnes) was born to Norma Barnes on February 4th, 1948, in Randolph, Wisconsin. She went home to Jesus on Friday, March 27th, at the age of 78.

Susan (known as ‘Susie’ in her childhood, and later, Sue) was raised in Randolph before moving to Milwaukee with her mother, where she attended grade school at St. James Lutheran. She went on to attend Wisconsin Lutheran High School, graduating as Salutatorian in 1966. She then pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, earning a degree in social welfare in 1970. 

While attending college, Sue began dating fellow WLHS classmate Cliff. The two later married and had five children together. She continued her education at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, where she earned her master’s degree in 1973.

She began her career with Wisconsin Lutheran Child & Family Services, where she provided individual, marital, and family counseling, as well as support through adoption and unwed parent programs. She later stepped away from her professional career to devote herself to raising her children and caring for her family as a homemaker. 

Once her children were older, she returned to counseling through Wisconsin Lutheran Christian Counseling (later Christian Family Services) where she continued serving individuals and families. She retired in 2025 as the most tenured employee, with 37+ years of service. 

Although she accomplished all this, being a mother was her greatest and proudest achievement.

She lived her life as a humble servant of God, quietly dedicating herself to caring for others through her work, her faith, and her family. She trusted deeply in God’s guidance throughout every season of her life, walking with compassion, grace, and unwavering faith. Her kindness, wisdom, and servant’s heart touched countless lives and will continue to be felt by all who knew and loved her.

She was a longtime member of her childhood church, St. James Lutheran, alongside her mother, Norma; Christ the Lord Lutheran during her children’s upbringing; and later in life, Star of Bethlehem Lutheran, alongside her husband, Don. During her more than 20 years as a devoted member of Christ the Lord, all five of her children attended the affiliated school. Sue was deeply involved in women’s groups and Bible studies, where her faith and friendships flourished. She played a key role in launching and organizing the Christian Woman Today seminars and retreats, which continue to this day. 

Sue found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She treasured meetups with her high school friends, loved concerts – especially local band Crossfire – and looked forward to attending Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair every year. She cherished traveling to visit her children, wherever they lived – across the country – or world! She loved music, especially James Taylor, Peter, Paul, and Mary, and Garth Brooks – to name a few. Seeing the squirrels and birds (ducks included!) in her backyard always brought her such joy. She loved watching TV – ER and every other medical drama ever made, as well as Hallmark movies. Nothing brought her more happiness than watching her grandchildren play sports and perform in dance recitals, school plays, and musical performances. 

She was an incredible baker and cake decorator extraordinaire, famous among family and friends for her Christmas “wreaths,” chocolate eclair torte, and dirt cake. Sue’s taco dip became something of a family legend –  a recipe and tradition her children and grandchildren will continue in her honor. Sue also had a great love for Mexican food and margaritas – most notably, at the local Chi-Chi’s on a near-weekly basis in what became a cherished tradition for her and her children.

In a way that only she could, Sue had a gift for making every holiday feel magical, creating traditions and memories her children and grandchildren will cherish forever.

Sue joins her mother, Norma; her husband, Don; and her aunts and uncles, Harold, Maurice (Eunice and Joan), Helen (Vilas), and James. She is survived by her children, Chad Buelow (Christina), Amy Buelow, Beth (John) Dugger, Katie Buelow, and Rob Buelow; her grandchildren, Finley, Harper, and Brecken; and her Aunt Millie.

Sue held a uniquely close relationship with her cousins and their families, considering them lifelong brothers and sisters. She cherished each of them deeply, especially Glenn (Ruth), Deb (Hugh), Carol-Sue (David), Chris (Linda), Curt (Sue), Donna (Russ), Barb (Bob), Jim (Alona), Patti, Cyndi, Jeff, Noreen, and Georgia, and lovingly remembered her late cousins Tom, Ronn, and Dan. Their bond was one of lifelong love, laughter, support, and treasured memories.

Sue’s love extended well beyond people. Waiting faithfully by her side in Heaven is her beloved cat, Sneakers. She especially adored her “grand dogs” – Herman, Hank, Marley, Izzie, Yogi, Lexi, Albi and Dex – who never passed up an opportunity for (too many) treats, kisses and cuddles, or ‘Grandma Susie’s’ attention. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sue’s life on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at STAR OF BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH (3700 S. Casper Drive, New Berlin, Wisconsin). Memorial visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christian Family Solutions to help individuals and families receive faith-based counseling, continuing Sue’s lifelong legacy of helping and caring for others. Website: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/wisconsin-lutheran-child-family-service-inc/online-donation 

“Let all that you do be done in love.“

-1 Corinthians 16:14

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME

414-321-7440

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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