Susan was born on March 5, 1935, to Paul and Lela Mae (Sykes) Haan in Morrison, IL. Susan, the oldest of seven, was spoiled by her six loving brothers: Robert (Sue) Haan, Joseph (Donna) Haan, Gerald (Nancy) Haan, Richard (Rita) Haan, Michael (Bess) Haan, and David (Fay) Haan. In her childhood, Susan enjoyed many hours on the family farm riding her beloved horse Sailor, and nurturing her adventurous spirit. Her extended family gathered often and together they created lasting memories and stories that will be fondly remembered.
Susan attended Morrison Schools until the 10th grade when her family moved to Fulton, IL. It was there that Susan completed her schooling and graduated from Fulton High School’s Class of 1953. After graduation, Susan bravely traveled to the town of Brackley, located in Northamptonshire, England, where she and her high school steady, Harold N. Wright of Tampico, married on August 8, 1953. At the time, Harold was serving in the US Air Force and was stationed at Royal Air Force Base located in Croughton, England. Harold and Susan took advantage of the opportunity and traveled across Europe, seeing many beautiful and historic sights together. Susan was particularly fond of the English countryside and her and Harold’s cozy cottage home. Upon moving back to the US, they resided at Port Arthur, TX Air Force Base where Susan trained as a surgical technician and obtained a beautician license.
Harold and Susan would then move to the Rock Falls/Sterling, IL areas to be closer to family where she worked as a nurse assistant at the Sterling Hospital. Once starting a family of their own, Harold and Susan lived in Galt, IL for several years before settling in Mt. Morris, IL in 1976. They resided there with their six children. Susan was a very active member of the United Methodist Church congregation in Mt. Morris and served on many women’s committees. She was a member of the Ogle County Home Extension and the Tri-County Snowmobile Club. She was also a Den Mother for her sons’ Cub Scouts, and enjoyed being a homeroom mother throughout her children’s elementary school years. Once her children were older she worked as an occasional police dispatch for the Mt. Morris Police Department and took a part-time position at the local Kable News Company.
Susan’s most beloved role was being a loving mother, grandmother and dedicated homemaker. She held time with family above all else, especially family time spent at her favorite place in the world, Mogasheen Resort in Cable, WI. Upon their retirement, Harold and Susan could be found traveling to historic places both near and far, visiting their children and grandchildren, roller skating, snowmobiling, enjoying evenings of dancing, and sharing in their love of music. When home from one of their many adventures, Susan could be found humming while tending to her many plants and beautiful flowers in the garden, playing dominoes, or hosting dear friends and family.
After 48 years in Mt. Morris, in 2024 Susan relocated to her hometown of Morrison, IL, to be closer to family and long-time friends. She especially enjoyed being neighbors with her dear Aunt Bonnie. In Morrison, Susan attended the Morrison United Methodist Church.
Susan is survived by her six children, Suzanne (Jack) Thompson of Mt. Morris, IL; Mark Wright of Chana, IL; Steven (Gina) Wright of Breese, IL; David Wright of Hampshire, IL; Mary (Bob) Burke of Janesville, WI; and Michelle (Jared) Scudder of Morrison, IL. She was also blessed with 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her last living aunt, Bonnie Kuhnen. Susan loved and adored each member of her family unconditionally. She was known for her big heart and created many deep and lifelong friendships with neighbors and friends, both near and far, throughout her life. Her tenderness, gentleness, and joy will be greatly missed by all who were blessed enough to know her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold of 56 years, infant grandson Ean R. Burke, brother Richard Haan and sister-in-law Rita Haan; also predeceased was Susan’s loving companion of 12 years, Marvin (Hub) Hubbell.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at the Morrison United Methodist Church in Morrison, IL on November 25, 2025. The visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the service following at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow after which the burial procession will travel to Plainview Cemetery in Mt. Morris, IL for the 3 p.m. burial. Following the graveside service, a time of continued fellowship and light refreshments to honor Susan’s life will be held at Disciples United Methodist Church, 102 Maple Ave. Mt. Morris, IL 61054.
Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home of Morrison is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers the family will be establishing a memorial in Susan’s honor.
The family would like to thank the many wonderful staff members at Resthave Care and Rehabilitation Center. Though her stay was brief, it was truly comforting to witness the special care and attention that was given to Susan.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Susan, please visit the floral store. Condolences can be shared at bosmarenkes.com.
One Response
I live in Tampico, IL. and I remember the Wright’s as they had Cushman Motor Scooters and so did I. They were a great family and they were very friendly.
You have my sympathy for your mother; which I did not know that well.
Terry L Gaskill