Susan was born in Detroit, MI on December 1, 1957 and stepped into heaven on the evening of October 13, 2015 in her home with her husband just as she wanted it to be.
Married Mark Vesterfelt on June 5, 1976, best friends and true love.
Susan loved life, laughter, family, worship of her Father in Heaven, swimming and the beach. She was a beautiful woman in every way; she walked in great faith, and prayed for and encouraged others every day. Her tenderness, compassion and thoughtful words touched lives for now and eternity.
Susan loved her family so very much and prayed for each of us regularly. While her passing leaves a huge void in our lives the life she imparted leaves us great memories and will inspire us in the days ahead.
She was a member of Gods family and severed in many capacities as a pastor’s wife and co-pastor for nearly 30 years. But today she is with her Heavenly Father singing in Heavens’ choir and resting by the crystal sea.
She was preceded in death by her mother Dona Martin, and her sister Janine Martin.
She is survived by her husband Mark Vesterfelt; son Aaron and Corie Vesterfelt, Daughter Rachael and Josh Wintermute; grandsons Logan, Christian, Jadon, Solomon and Landon (the joy of her life); her father Harry Martin; sisters Michelle Smith, Marcia Myers, Julie Gordon, Nanette Cicinelli, and Renee Chambers
A memorial celebration of Susan’s life will be held at a later time with family and friends, but for those of us who loved her, her life and memory will always be our treasured possession.
John 16:33
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” NIV
1 John 5:4-5
4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. NIV
Crossville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.
The homepage of Crossville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory out of Crossville, TN
Mark, Aaron, Rachael: I can’t even think of how to begin. Although Susan and I have not been in regular communication in recent years, our relationship was such that we could always pick up as if no time had gone by. When we served together at Faith Comes By Hearing, she was not only my Assistant but my friend, close sister in the Lord, and spiritual confidant. When Brian considered divorcing me, she was there for me every day at work, and I spoke with her more about the situation than anyone else, even family. I have never forgotten her support. And on the opposite end of things, we LAUGHED together. I have only had two friends in my life that I could share so much serious and then funny things with; I loved being around her! When she moved, it was one of the biggest losses I have ever had. Please know how much she will always be loved and close to my heart. I am blessed to have called her my sister and my friend. –Janet Lloyd
My heart sorrowed when i received this email about Susan. She worked with me at Hosanna (now Faith Comes By Hearing). What a dear precious woman of God she was. Never wavering in her faith. Susan was a true friend. I will and forever remember her smile, she could light up a room. My heart and prayers go out to her husband Mark and her family. May our dear Lord hold you all in his loving arms at this time of loss. Many Blessings, Deborah Alfaro
What a beautiful woman of God Susan was! What a comfort to know there is no more sorrow, no more pain, and that she is worshiping at the feet of our Savior, and singing is the heavenly choir! Both Susan and Mark helped us in a time of our deepest need, and we will never forget either of them in our prayers. Our sincere sympathy..
Frank & Judy Haupricht
To my dear sister who had to leave us too soon, you will be missed dearly, every day. You were such a sweet soul and your respect and love for others was incredible. My prayers are with Mark, Aaron, Rachael and all the grandchildren. May they find peace in the memories of you. I had the honor to have such an amazing sister for 57 years. As kids, you and I were always together, even wearing the same dresses mom would buy for school pictures. We stayed at Aunt Eleanor’s a lot and it was always fun to be with my little sister. I miss your gentle voice and all your kind words. I love you Susan. Rest well…… Love, Julie
Dear Mark,
We are so very sad to hear of Susan’s passing. She was an inspiring woman and we’re so thankful we had the opportunity to get to know her. Please give us a call (517-467-4759); drop us an e-mail (hvischer@msn.com). I hope this message gets forwarded to you. We’d love to hear from you. Love in Christ, Hoz & Chris
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Sean M Shepherd
Date: Sunday, February 28, 2016
Subject: My Song
To: Sean Shepherd
Pastor Mark,
My heart was saddened upon hearing the news of your loss a few hours ago. I have thought of you often and always wondered why the Lord had us part ways as you were to us as parents and it was deeply painful when He called us to leave part from you.
I have memories of you and Sue that exemplify Gods word and mystery regarding Christ and his Church. You did not pretend, you did not role play, but instead you unknowingly etched the gospel upon the hearts of anyone who paid attention to the nature of your love for Sue, and her response to your love. You are both highly esteemed in ways I am unable to articulate.
We love you and our hearts are saddened for you and your loss. We understand that may not help you, and that it doesn’t make it better, and that I cannot begin to understand what you are going through. Your love for her was evident. Your honor for her was an example. I think I was grieved at our separation more than anything because I would not have the mentoring and living epistle of your marriage and commitment to imitate. As I reflect on the gift we were given in the time we were able to spend with you, I can honestly say that what you offered to us was worth more than any earthly riches I might desire. I feel like I did not yield to much of your counsel, or receive that which you freely offered to us, to my own shame, but as I write this I feel as though the memory I have of you in the Spirit is still accessible to me if I will simply meditate on that which was consistently on display as I observed your relationship with each other.
I am without words beyond what I have written. I am at a loss, more for your heart than anything. I love you and am thinking of you today. I wish I had known earlier as I would have made an effort to communicate earlier and to see you face to face if it were possible.
You have come to mind many times over the past four to six weeks, yet I had yet I had little understanding why other than that I am in a place of reintroduction to the kingdom and both of you were instrumental in laying at least some of that foundation in our lives. I will not make this about me, but to say that your labor, as well as your love, were never in vain.
We love you and grieve with you and hope and pray for healing of your broken heart. My phone number is 419-340-4286. I do not know yours but I am looking for it. You are welcome to our home whenever you are in the Toledo area.
If you are in the state it would be good to reconnect with you if you are up to it. Please receive our love and heartfelt prayer for your entire family.
We love you,
Sean and Mieka Shepherd