Racine – Susan R. Fugate passed away early Friday morning, June 7, 2013, following an episode of respiratory failure.
Susan was born on February 19, 1943, in Eveleth, MN, to the late Dr. Frank and Kathleen (nee: Sloan) Kotchevar. She moved to Racine after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While a student teacher at Washington Park High School, she met Thomas Fugate, her future husband and father of her three children, Matthew, Jessica and Emily. They were married on July 22, 1967. Susan spent 17 enchanted years teaching her children to be true to themselves and the world before returning to work as an English teacher to middle school students in Racine Unified School District.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Fugate; children, Matthew (Jennifer) Fugate, Jessica (James) Despres, Emily (Piercarlo) Brunino; grandchildren, Isabelle, Declan and Evangeline Despres, Sebastiano and Olivia Brunino, Connor Fugate; sisters, Sheila (George) Brewster and Sharon (Terry) Lohmann.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 13, 2013, 1:00pm, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street, with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00am until the time of the service. Cremation will follow funeral services per Susan’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Susan’s name to Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), www.doctorswithoutborders.org.
Michael Nelson says
To the Fugate Families, I find It so sad to see this news. Although I didn’t attend classes of either Mrs. or Mr. Fugate I was certainly aware of their presence at Park High, both very respected teachers. A few years back, I was at our Culver’s Restaurant In Mauston, and recognized two faces, that looked like yesterday, not 40 some years ago. It was amazing to say the least, and very heartwarming to see them again. We talked for a few minutes, and It really was fun. They didn’t know me from any other person, but were very kind, and quite surprised, like I was. Perhaps that say’s a lot about good people, and they were undoubtedly a very close, and wonderful couple. To all of the Fugates, Mr, and children, grandchildren, and relatives, I wish you peace In the future, and pray all of you stay well.
Mike
Carolyn Muchhala says
David & Cindy Brown says
We are so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. After being neighbors for 30 years, we came to know Sue as such a wonderful mother and good neighbor. She will surely be missed, Tom & family, you are in our thoughts and prayers….Take care!
Carol Niska Romer says
We were friends and classmates in Eveleth, MN and I have wonderful memories of her.
Sharon Lohmann says
I miss my precious sister so very much. I cannot stop the tears. She gave light to the everyday, joy to each passing moment. May she find peace.
Anonymous says