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Susan Howard Fitzpatrick, 68, of Storm Lake, formerly of Atlantic, died Jan. 6, 2025, at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Funeral mass will take place Saturday, Jan. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 10, from 4-7 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. followed by Parish Vigil Service, all at the church. Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's School or St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Susan was born July 22, 1956, in Council Bluffs, the daughter of George and Sharon (Dollen) Howard. Growing up in Atlantic, Susan attended Lincoln Elementary School and Atlantic middle and high school, graduating in 1974. In her younger years, Susan was a member of 4-H, where she showed cattle, sewed, baked and made crafts and was awarded many blue and purple ribbons. While in high school, she was a member of the Debate team and wrote for the high school newspaper, “The Needle.” Susan went on to attend Buena Vista University, graduating in 1978 with an economics major.
On Aug. 21, 1976, Susan was united in marriage to Thomas Wells Fitzpatrick at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. They were blessed with two children, Rachel and Amy.
Susan was vice president of Cherry Corner Agency in insurance sales and financial investments. During her early career, she was an active Iowa representative for the Life Underwriters Association. When she wasn’t working, her family was the cornerstone of Susan’s life. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren as their “Monka.” Susan was a strong supporter of Tom in his business endeavors and adventures. She was the best hostess of many parties. Her family treasures so many memories with her including baking Christmas cookies, playing board games, cards, crafting, sewing, baking and making porcelain dolls. Over the years, she enjoyed staying active outdoors by hot air ballooning, including being an active Storm Lake Great Iowa Ballon Race committee member, snowmobiling, boating, motorcycling and most recently, four wheeling. She also took great pride in her outdoor flowers and garden. Their home in Phoenix, Ariz., (AKA her happy place) provided a relaxing getaway for Susan and family during the cold months. Susan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish Susan’s memory include her beloved husband of 48 years, Thomas Fitzpatrick of Storm lake; parents, George and Sharon Howard of Atlantic; children: Rachel Fitzpatrick of West Des Moines; Amy (Shawn) Thacker of Urbandale; grandchildren: Megan, Callie and Sam Thacker; Xayne Howard; brother Michael Howard (fiancé Juli Kwikkel) of Atlantic; sister Michelle Howard of Storm Lake; siblings-in-law: Mary Beth (Charlie Mahon), Donna Cahill, Colleen (Doug) Joens, Bill (Patricia) Fitzpatrick and Donald (Sherri) Fitzpatrick; and all the many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Tom and Naomi Fitzpatrick; brother-in-law Tim Cahill; and brother Doug Howard.
