Susan E. (Heuer) Rensch

Susan E. (Heuer) Rensch

November 16, 1979 – March 24, 2025

Susan Elizabeth (Heuer) Rensch (“Susie” or “Suz” as she was affectionately known), was born on November 16, 1979, in Omaha, NE.  She passed away on March 24, 2025, after spending the last year and half of her life suffering through her second bout of breast cancer.

Though cancer is what took her life, Susie was not defined by cancer.  In fact, most who saw her and interacted with her during that time might not have known she was nearly always dealing with varying levels of pain, fatigue and uncomfortableness.  In fact, she continued to work in her chosen profession until February of this year, when her symptoms finally made working impossible.  She was strong.  She was so strong and so concerned with other people that she rarely let on that she was suffering.

First and foremost, Susie was a mother.  Her children, Haley, Olivia, and Charlotte meant the world to her.  Being their mother and guiding them to become strong, courageous, caring and happy girls/young women was not a chore to Susie.  She loved being a mom.  She loved her girls so much.  In addition to being a mom, she was a spouse.  Not just any spouse.  Suz loved her husband, Sean, with her entire heart, mind and soul.  She knew how to give him courage during difficult times and humor when it was needed. She always had the right words to bring calmness to any hectic situation.  Susie planned everything out.  She was so organized that her family always knew when and where they had to be—whether it was dance, piano, sports practice or the airport for vacation.  Suz was a daughter.  Susie adored her mom, Chris Heuer and Dad, Jim Heuer.  She relished every family get together and trips to their lakeside home at Ottertail Lake, MN.  Her parents were equal rocks for Suz, and she was the same for them.  She was a sister.  Her sister, Anne Stockmann, and her brother, Bill Heuer, were her best friends.  Suz’s family relationships were special. As you could imagine, Suz had incredible relationships with everyone in her family and extended family, including her nieces, nephews, mother-in-law, Connie Rensch, father-in-law, Dick Rensch, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins and beyond.  She had so many incredible friendships and seemed to develop new ones daily.  Her co-workers, colleagues, and the children and families she worked closely with.

Susie had an impressive academic record and a career that spanned over 25 years.  She was a true professional who found her calling in education.  After her graduation from Lewis Central High School in 1998, Suz attended Iowa State University, majoring in Education.  She also holds a double master’s degree in higher education.  After college, Suz began her career at the Green Hills Area Education Agency.  She was a dedicated professional and a huge advocate in the field of early childhood intervention.  As a statewide internal coach for the Green Hills AEA, Suz provided professional development and supported other providers in coaching caregivers.  Her work had a positive impact on the lives of many young children and their families.  She was an amazing leader, friend, and mentor to all.  Her bright personality and leadership went far beyond her achievements.

Despite her career achievements, again, Suz’s true passion and calling in life was as a mother to her three beautiful daughters, Haley, Olivia, Charlotte, and life partner to her beloved husband of almost 19 years, Sean Rensch.  She loved spending time watching her family grow, whether that was watching them in sporting events, traveling on vacations, or “popcorn movie night” (by the way, Suz made the most incredible home-popped popcorn).  It really didn’t matter, that’s what she loved to do.  She loved volunteering at her daughter’s schools, and her house was always filled with friends, good food, and lots of laughter.

Those who know Suz well will remember her for her infectious humor, smile, overwhelming laughter, and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she encountered.  She had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

Preceded in death by grandparents, Elden and Carol Heuer, Bob and Jane Lorimor, Charles Durey, aunt, Lisa Bunten, uncle, Robert Heuer, beloved dog, Lilly.

Survived by husband, Sean, daughters, Haley, Olivia, and Charlotte, parents, Jim and Chris Heuer, brother, Bill Heuer (Laura), sister, Anne Stockmann (Dan), father-in-law and mother-in-law, Connie and Dick Rensch, sisters and brothers in-law, Julie (Todd) Hrycenko, Joe (Kyra) Rensch, Mike Rensch (“Uncle Bobo” aka “Random Hero”), Molly (T.J.) Schultz and many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation service to honor the life of Susie Rensch will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Christ the King church (654 South 86^th Street), from 4:00-7:00pm, followed by a Vigil Service at 7pm. 

The memorial service will be on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Christ the King Church at 10AM, followed by a private family inurnment at Calvary Cemetery. 

After the service, the family will receive friends from 12pm-4pm at the Julie Cammarota residence, 1729 South 76th Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Rensch Children’s Scholarship Fund.  Donations may be mailed to Jim Heuer, 15203 Stonegate Lane, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 or made via Venmo to @renschchildrensscholarshipfund.‍

Suz, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com