Susanne J. Tobalsky

Susanne Janet Tobalsky, 85, went to join the angels on Sunday, January 21, 2024. She spent her final days surrounded by her loving family and gave them her last sweet smile. Known simply as Sue to her family and friends, she became better known as Grandma Sue to her many grand and great-grandchildren who were the absolute joy of her life.

She was born on June 16, 1938 to the late Herbert and Frances (Matter) Schwocho in Spencer, Wisconsin. She attended grammar school at G.D. Jones and Trinity Lutheran School in Wausau and graduated from Wausau Senior High in 1956. It was there where she met the one and only love of her life, Robert Tobalsky.

They were married in a lovely chapel ceremony at Camp Pendleton, CA where Robert was serving in the Marines.  Together they had three children, Rick (Cathy), Reyne (Chris) Check, and Steven (Marcy).  They in turn blessed her with 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Memories of them all will surely go with her on her final journey.

Sue began her career working for a doctor in Oceanside, CA who performed a lifesaving surgery on her.  She was his receptionist, instrument sterilizer, surgery assistant, and bookkeeper.  After returning to Wisconsin, she continued her medical related career at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield and the Wausau Medical Center. There her ever-smiling face and pleasant personality greeted thousands of patients over some 35 years.

Grandma Sue was known for her one-of-a-kind recipes, especially her own secret version of Caesar Salad dressing.  She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family on holidays and any other times she could arrange. Many of her recipes were shared in a special family cookbook passed down to her grandchildren. She also enjoyed sewing and somehow found the time to sew First Holy Communion dresses for five of her granddaughters. This ended when her arthritis-ridden fingers became too painful for such detailed work.

Her painful fingers didn't keep her from clicking a camera and she found out that she had a knack of spotting and taking the most beautiful scenic fall pictures. Each fall, around their anniversary date, they would drive up north to find and take “just a few more” fall pictures.  Summers found her at the family cottage where the joy of her life was seeing her entire family gathered together and everyone enjoying nature, each other, and God’s bountiful blessings.

Sue may best be remembered for her ever-present beautiful smile, her pleasing personality, her love of family, her strength to deal with the many health issues that came her way, and a never-ending faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A funeral Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1104 South Ninth Avenue, Wausau, will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Samuel Martin.  Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or a charity of your choice in her name would be welcomed.