"I have not been vigilant seeking news of our dear friends and our sorrow is deep to realize that Suzie has died. We don't realize how fast time goes until you know that a friend has not been with us in a long time. My condolences to you, Bob, & family. Her smile & happiness will be missed. Love to all of you, Mary & Al"
In loving memory of
Susan D. Boyson
September 16, 1942 - October 1, 2011
ROCHESTER - Susan Boyson, born Susan Discederia Gullekson, passed away Saturday morning from congestive heart failure in St. Marys hospital. Born in Crookston, Minnesota, Susan grew up on a farm in Beltrami with her father Virgil, mother Leona, and brother Elmo, all of whom preceded her in death. She was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 11 and her heart disease was a complication resulting from it.
Graduated from St. Lukes Nurses School in Fargo, North Dakota in 1963, Susan worked for several years as a nurse in Red Wing, Minnesota until 1967 when she became a full-time homemaker. Even though she was not expected to live a full life when she was diagnosed with diabetes, Susan recently celebrated her 69th birthday on September 16th, and eight days prior, her 48th wedding anniversary.
She is survived by her husband Robert Boyson, two children (Amy Boyson French and Aaron Boyson), a daughter-in-law (Jennifer Boyson) and four grandchildren (Jacob and Rachele French, Mitchell and Tessa Boyson).
Susan worked tirelessly to keep herself in good physical health and doing so extended her life.Her family will be forever indebted to her willingness to sacrifice, even a slice of bacon, so that she could be with us for as long as she was.
Susan leaves an indelible footprint on this earth because of her tireless generosity,
deep compassion for helping those in need, and fierce loyalty to her immediate and extended family. She ministered closely, intensely, and warmly to people she knew well and people she just met. She was both salt and light for God to so many people, and she will be missed.
Her faith in Jesus was like a well from which she drank constantly. It touched many at Bethany United Methodist Church, where she served for more than 40 years. She sang, played piano, directed choir, and eventually became Director of Worship. Her holiday music and theatrical productions were attended by many in the broader Rochester area.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Bethany United Methodist Church, 1835 19thAve. NW, in Rochester with Rev. Dr. Wes Gabel officiating. All who wish to attend are welcome. Visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Friday, October 7, 2011 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home with a prayer service starting at 7 P.M.There will also be a visitation an hour prior to the service on Saturday at church.
Memorials in honor of Susan may be sent to either The American Diabetes Association or Bethany United Methodist Church.
Tributes
"Bob, Amy, Aaron and Family, I wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear about your loss. Sue was an amazing person and anyone that was a part of her life knew how lucky they were. She was an important part of my teenage years through church and youth group and I will never forget the love and guidance she provided to me. God Bless All of You!"
"Bob, Amy, Aaron and family, I want to express my deep sympathy for your loss. Sue was a mentor to me at a time when I truly needed to return to the Word. Her quiet battles with her health were always an inspiration to me. I can only imagine how deeply you will miss her. I look forward to her smile, her patience and her gentle direction of our heavenly choir."
"My sincere sympathies to you in your great loss! Sue was an amazing person whose great courage, strong faith and generous spirit were a blessing and inspiration to many. She will be sorely missed. May you be comforted both by your shared faith and your cherished memories. Ruth Urdahl (St. Luke's classmate)"
"Bob, Amy and Aaron, You have all been in my prayers since I heard. Sue had such an impact on my life, not only as a youth leader, but as a Christian woman, wife and mother. I pray for comfort and strength for you all as you begin your lives here without her knowing that you will be reunited some day and never separated again. She was a truly beautiful woman in all ways!"
"So sorry to hear about Susan's death. Roger has many memories of growing up with Elmo and Susan and of being at their house. May Jesus carry you through this time. Love Shirley and Roger"
"We were so sad to hear of Sue's passing, but we know she is now rejoicing in the Lord's presence. She always had such a beautiful smile on her face no matter what the circumstances were. We will never forget all that she did for the people fortunate enough to have been in her presence. God bless her and keep her soul in heaven to watch over all of us as we are now lost without her."
"Our condolences to the Boysen family and the Bethany family. We remember them well from our years at Bethany. May you all feel the loving arms of God around you as you pass through this time of loss. Friends in Christ. Jon and Marlene Wordelman "
"We only knew Sue for a short time but she made an incredible impression on our lives. We will miss her but we know that she is safe at home in the arms of Jesus with no more sickness or pain. We are looking forward to seeing her again. We pray that God will comfort and strengthen you during this time of loss. May God bless all of you. Our prayers are with you as you all walk through this very difficult time. Love, Marvin & Vicki Stuber"
""Where loyal hearts and true. Stand ever in the light, All, rapture through and through, In God's most holy sight" Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Bob, Amy and Aaron - I am so sorry for your loss. Sue was an amazing woman. She was the sunniest, happiest person I knew and always had a smile on her face. As someone told me, a sunset on earth is a sunrise in Heaven. And boy what a sunrise Sue was. My deepest sympathies to all of you. Betsy (Klobuchar) Kauffman"
"Sue will always have a special place in our hearts for the kindness, generosity, humor, and deep faith she shared with us and so many others. I loved being her roommate at Family Camp when the Bethany worship team played, and the wonderful baby shower she hosted for us as we prepared to welcome our daughter Joy was a source of so much encouragement. Most of all, I cherish our prayer times together. We look forward to joining her in eternal praise of our Savior, Jesus. To Bob, Amy, Aaron, her beloved grandchildren, and family of faith at Bethany: we're holding you up in our prayers and trusting that the Holy Spirit is comforting you with a peace that passes understanding."