Susie A. McMartin

Susie A. McMartin, 92, Brandon, SD, passed away from an accident on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, five years to the day that her one true love, Cliff, passed away on April 30, 2020.

Susie’s wish was to have no services. There will be a private inurnment for the family at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Brandon Lutheran Church Music Ministry or a charity of your choice.

Susie Amelia McMartin, was born on October 7, 1932, in Kaneranzi, MN, to Wubbo and Emma (Mess) Hartog. Susie and Cliff had been married since 1954. They started as pen pals and married after Cliff returned from the Korean War.

Susie had many passions in life, and she made them happen. She told her kids that she had no regrets in her life, and she showed that not only in her words, but her actions. Susie loved her children and taught them to be independent and to seek their happiness, never holding them back as they spread out across the country.

Susie filled her life with many friends, old and new. There was always somebody new that she wanted to introduce into her wide circle of friends. She had lived in Brandon since 1959 and was a long-time member of Brandon Lutheran Church, participating in their many functions. Susie’s church family lovingly surrounded her and supported her throughout the many years.

Susie played Bingo and went to try her luck at the casino occasionally if the weather didn’t hold her back. She was a ‘lucky’ lady, and it was much fun to see her eyes gleam as she yelled “Bingo!” or listened to the jackpot bells ring out. She joined in on the weekly card games at the Brandon VFW. She very much loved her polka music. Susie and Cliff used to follow the polka festivals and dance the nights away. That was the best, as it joined their love of travel, dancing, and their many friends they used to visit with in between the dances.

Susie worked as a waitress until the age of 73, but she always had room for many adventures, and her life was full of stories. There was a recent article in the Brandon Valley Journal that was a beautiful tribute and adds to her life story. The Active Generations Senior Center also wrote an article about Susie a couple of years ago, writing about her life story.

Susie is survived by her children, Mickie (Lyle) Schrag, Tulsa, OK, Monte (Colleen) McMartin, Kalamazoo, MI, Marilynn (Andrew Bottino) McMartin, Selah, WA, and Marlys Pack, Stamping Ground, KY; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Eleanor Hartog, Rochester, MN, and Linda Hartog, Sacramento, CA.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wubbo and Emma Hartog; four brothers, Albert, George, Edward, and Marvin; and one sister, Gladys.

Susie will truly be missed.