Suzanne M. Diekelman

Suzanne Marie Diekelman, age 82, of Lake Bluff, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2024, with her beloved husband, Ralph Edward Diekelman, by her side. Suzanne’s life was marked by dedication, compassion, and a warmth that touched everyone she encountered. Suzanne was born and raised in Elgin, Illinois. She pursued higher education with vigor, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, followed by a master’s degree in speech and language therapy from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. These academic achievements were not merely credentials for Suzanne; they were steppingstones to a career that would impact countless lives. It is also where she met and fell in love with her husband, Ralph. They were married in 1968 and blessed to have shared 56 wonderful years together. Suzanne served as a hospital social worker for the first 10 years of her career. Her passion for helping others then led her to a fulfilling 23-year tenure as a speech and language pathologist. In this role, she harnessed her expertise to empower and uplift children and adults alike, enabling them to find their voices and communicate with the world. Beyond her professional life, Suzanne’s interests were as varied as they were deeply pursued. She was an avid traveler, with a special trip to Antarctica alongside her husband, Ralph, marking one of the most memorable adventures of her life. Other trips were far-flung, such as a safari in Africa or river cruises in Europe, or nearby, such as local adventures with family, biking through Iowa or hiking in Isle Royale National Park. Suzanne’s creativity knew no bounds; she was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, and embroiderer, creating beautiful, handcrafted items that she generously gifted to family and friends. These tangible tokens of her love remain cherished keepsakes. She shared her creative gifts by teaching the next generation about these crafts, inspiring a love of artistry that will live on with those she taught. Suzanne’s artistic talents also extended to the intricate craft of stained glass, through which she expressed both her artistic vision and spiritual devotion. Her faith was an integral part of her life, reflected in her longstanding involvement with various church choirs. Her melodious voice and faith-filled presence were mainstays at church gatherings, and her commitment to her faith community was unwavering. Suzanne cherished time with friends and family. She was a reliable and enthusiastic participant at holiday parties, birthday parties, New Year’s Eve parties, bridge games, trips to the Walnut Room at Christmas-time, and family video calls. She never forgot to send a greeting card for special occasions. Married life brought Suzanne great joy, as she and Ralph shared countless moments of love and companionship. They were partners in every sense, finding happiness in the simple pleasure of spending time together, whether in their shared hobbies or in quiet reflection. Her legacy of love, service, and faith will continue to resonate, reminding us of the profound impact one kind-hearted soul can have on the world. She will be profoundly missed and eternally remembered. She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer Fohrman, and her mother, Aletha Gustafson Fohrman. She leaves behind her devoted husband Ralph Edward Diekelman; sisters-in-law Mary (Neil) Dahlmann, Judy (late David) Diekelman; and many loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. A private interment will be held at Lake Forest Cemetery in Lake Forest, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Suzanne’s name may be made online to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/. For information, contact Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors at 847-234-9649 or visit www.RTfunerals.com

Suzanne M. Diekelman

February 7, 1942 - June 7, 2024