Suzanne Ilene Schleis, 43, of Mapleton, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at the Burgess Health Center in Onawa.
Suzanne Ilene Schleis was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1979, in Sioux City, to David and Darla (O’Connor) Schleis. She grew up in Mapleton and attended Maple Valley Community School. While in high school she enjoyed playing sports and graduated with the class of 1997.
Suzanne went on to attend Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, studying business. After finishing her classes, she remained in Cedar Rapids working for United Fire and Casualty as an underwriter and later for McGrath Car Dealership as an F & I Manager.
Sixteen years ago, the most significant event of Suzanne’s life came with the birth of her son, Jack. She described him often as the love of her life and her best friend. The two of them loved to wear matching pajamas on Christmas Eve and to watch movies together.
Suzanne moved back to her hometown 15 years ago due to health issues. During her time back in Mapleton she was a volunteer CASA worker for many years and had a big impact on numerous children’s lives. She also volunteered as a coach for Jack’s peewee baseball teams. Suzanne was known as an excellent cook, making some of the best pumpkin pies. Not too many people got to taste them because Jack ate most of them before she could share them.
Suzanne is survived by her son Jack Keiner of Mapleton; her parents Dave and Darla (O’Connor) Schleis of Mapleton; siblings Dawn Schleis of Springfield, IL, Becky (Scott) Niemeier of Holstein, and their daughter Tori Niemeier, Matt “Chewy” Schleis (fiancée Jen Moore) of Moses Lake, WA; aunts and uncles Donnie (Carolyn) Schleis of Danbury, Ron Schleis of Mapleton, Jan Brinks of Mapleton, Lou Venteicher of Ida Grove, Freddie (Shari) O’Connor of Canton, SD, Rita Rose of Mapleton and Jane Anderson of Norwalk; numerous cousins, extended family and friends
Suzanne was preceded in death by her grandparents George and Marcella Schleis and Darrell and Florence O’Connor; sister Beverly Schleis; aunt and uncles Dean Venteicher, Mary Jo Green, Perry O’Connor, and David Rose.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 4, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mapleton. Father William A. McCarthy officiated. Committal services followed in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery of Mapleton.
A Visitation was held with a Rosary Service and a Vigil Service on Friday, February 3, at the church.
The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
