Sue D. Hardell

Sue D. Hardell, 74, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at the SSM Health Hospice Home of Hope, surrounded by her beloved family. Sue battled hard for four years with cancer and always remained positive. Even in her final days, she assured everyone, “I’m doing great.”

Born on February 18, 1950 in Albany, New York, Sue was the daughter of Everett and Evelyn Joray. She spent her childhood in Ellenville, New York where she made countless cherished memories. From playing baseball with her numerous siblings to hanging out at the waterfalls with friends, Sue’s early years were filled with adventure, hard work, and a helping hand for anyone in need.

Sue met her husband, Tom, while they were both working at a local hotel in Ellenville, New York-Tom as a lifeguard and Sue as a housekeeper. Their journey together began in St. Petersburg, Florida, but after six years in the Sunshine State, Tom’s desire for cooler weather and family ties led them to Wisconsin.

Throughout her life, Sue wore many hats: homemaker, waitress, cook, cleaner, daycare provider, elderly caregiver, coach, runner, softball player, and co-owner of Tom’s Gun Shop. Her boundless energy and compassion were evident in all she did. Among her many roles, her greatest joy was being a devoted mother to her five children and later, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Sue’s family was her world, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and shower them with love.

For over 50 years, Sue and Tom ran Tom’s Gun Shop, a family business. Sue loved going to weekend gun shows and seeing all her dear friends she met at the shows through the years. Simultaneously, Sue operated an in-home daycare for two decades, nurturing countless children with the same love and care she gave her own. Sue’s work ethic and selflessness were evident in everything she did.

Sue’s zest for life extended to her love of sports and the outdoors. In her younger years, she was a talented runner who competed in races across the United States. She also thrived as a softball player and coach, sharing her competitive spirit and love of the game with her children and teammates. Sue and her husband played a

key role in founding the first adult co-ed softball league in Fond du lac, where they were champions for many years. Her passion for sports carried into her later years, where she could often be found cheering at her grandchildren’s events or faithfully supporting her lifelong favorite team, the New York Yankees.

Sue’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Always ready for an adventure, she loved exploring new places and creating memories with her children and grandchildren. Whether attending games, playing alongside the kids, or simply enjoying a lively conversation, Sue’s presence was magnetic. Her feisty personality and genuine warmth left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Sue is survived by her husband, Tom, five children: Cheri Geniesse, Terri (Todd) Deanovich, Kari (Craig) Koenigs, Patty (Jerid) Winkler, Tommy (Maria) Hardell; her grandchildren: Parker (Ashley), Nick (Molly), Mitchell (Jewel), Benton (Emily), Elaine (Roy), Carson (Chelsea), Jameson (Madi), Tony, JT, Emily, Andrew, Rocco, Griffin, and Cruz; and her great-grandchildren: Opal, Evan, Evelyn, Wells, Luiz, Tatum and three little ones on the way.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Thomas “Squish” Koenigs; son-in-law, Michael Geniesse; her parents, Everett and Evelyn Joray; and many other dear relatives and friends. Sue was deeply loved, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is now reunited with those who have gone before her.

Special thanks to the Hospice Home of Hope for their compassionate care. We also would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and appreciation to SSM Health Cancer Team, Harbor Health and Rehab Center, and so many of her faithful friends and family who continued to support and comfort her on her journey these past years.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Sue touched are invited to celebrate Sue’s life at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac, WI. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 3:00 pm until 4:45 pm. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 5:00 pm. Her legacy of love, strength, and resilience will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.