Carol Sue "Suzie" Wilhelm, age 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully at home on April 22, 2026. A devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt, Suzie was a loving and strong woman of faith who cherished her family and cared deeply for everyone she met. She had a gift for making others feel seen and loved, and those who knew her returned that love many times over.

Suzie was born on April 2, 1946, in Evansville, Indiana, to Charles and Josephine (Greif) Oertwig. She graduated from Reitz Memorial High School in 1964 and went on to earn her nursing degree from St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing, becoming a Registered Nurse. She began her career at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville and later worked on the cardiac unit at Bloomington Hospital.

After starting her family, Suzie devoted eleven years as a stay-at-home mother, pouring her heart into raising her children. She later returned to nursing at St. Anne's Nursing Home and continued in home health care with various organizations. It was in this work that she discovered her deep calling to care for the elderly. She eventually retired from Matthew 25 Health and Care, where she served as Coordinator of Patient Assistance. During her time there, she worked as director of a volunteer program that provided medical and dental care to underserved members of the Fort Wayne community-an enduring reflection of her compassion and commitment to helping others.

A woman of deep faith, Suzie was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. She found joy in Bible study with friends, playing cards, and especially in travel. She made several religious pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, the Vatican, and Medjugorje. Alongside her husband, Warren, she also enjoyed many cruises and trips abroad, creating cherished memories along the way.

Above all, Suzie's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted and doting "Nana" to her grandchildren, treasuring every moment spent with them. She created lasting traditions, including annual family Christmas trips that will be remembered for years to come.Sunday nights were family dinners where siblings and cousins gathered for good food, laughter and making memories where if you joined as a guest you left as family. The door was open and everyone was treated as family.Saint Nicolas Day was an annual distribution of candy and nut crackers.

Suzie was united in marriage to Warren J. Wilhelm, Jr. on January 20, 1968. He preceded her in death on August 15, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her son, Kurt Charles Wilhelm, in 1978.

She is survived by her children: Gretchen (Kevin) Gerber, Heidi (Aaron) Gascho, Erika (Steve) Tanesky, and Hans (Heather) Wilhelm; sixteen grandchildren: Reyer (Madelyn), Charlie (Olivia), Harrison, Dresden, Gavin, Eliza, Kaylee, Cameron, Joey, Leo, Lilly, Lincoln, Addie, Josie, Jackson, and Kennedy; four great-grandchildren: Jace, Ellie, Penelope, and George; her sister, Sarah Perchak; and her nephew, Matthew Perchak.

Suzie's life was a testament to faith, kindness, and service. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she loved so deeply.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 3:00-7:00 P.M. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, with recitation of the rosary at 2:30 P.M. in the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Thomas Shoemaker officiating. The family will receive visitors for one hour prior to the service beginning at 9:30 A.M. in the church.

Interment will take place in Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are requested to Matthew 25.

To send condolences or to sign the online register, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.org.