After a courageous battle with cancer, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sue Ziegenhagen on Sunday, November 3, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Morgan United Methodist Church in Morgan, Minnesota. Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls and Morgan. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com
On July 16, 1944, Sue was born into a large family of twelve children. As the 7th child, she was one of the babies of the family. Her childhood was spent playing outside in the big tree and dancing to her favorite songs by Elvis Presley. One of the happiest days in Sue’s life was when she met Doug while waitressing at the Jolly Mill in Redwood Falls. She played hard to get, but Doug persisted, and they were happily married for 53 years. Having a family was a dream of theirs, so they adopted two children, Amee and Brian. They decided their family wasn’t quite big enough, so they hosted several foreign exchange students, Sandra, Bianca, and Anne. Later in life, Sue was able to reconnect with her biological son, James. This brought her number of grandchildren up to sixteen, a number she was especially proud of. “Granny Sue” was their number one fan and would drop everything to rush off to a softball game or choir concert. Family was immensely important to Sue, especially her sisters who squished into the same bed when they were younger and continued to do so while making memories on their many adventures together. She lived for the moments spent with loved ones, and there was no joy greater for her than gathering her family and friends around a table she had lovingly prepared. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, and her food was legendary. Everyone knows her sugar cookies, piggy dip, chicken pot pies, and cucumber sandwiches. She loved to entertain and filled her home with warmth, laughter, and the delicious smells of home-cooked meals. Known for her never-ending positivity, Sue loved people and would go out of her way just to talk to them. She talked so much that her husband, Doug, put a quote on the fridge that read, “I have the right to remain silent, but not the ability.” If you ran into her on the street, it was certain that she would strike up a lengthy conversation and talk your ear off. She made new friends everywhere, even in public bathrooms and hospital waiting rooms! If you couldn’t find her on the farm, you could almost certainly find her at Becker’s grocery store. It was one of her favorite places to visit daily. Her family always wondered how she could shop for over an hour in such a small store. Well, guess what? She was talking! Sue had a gift for making everyone feel at home, welcomed, and cherished. Her legacy of love, generosity, and unshakable optimism will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. She leaves behind her loving family and a community of friends who will forever remember her as the life of every gathering and the heart of every room. Sue wanted everyone to know that her favorite nephew was Bob. Wait, no… Charlie.
As part of her legacy, we want to pass on Sue’s secret Piggy Dip Recipe. We encourage everyone to make some dip and enjoy it with your family!
Sue’s Piggy Dip
2 cups sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup finely chopped onion
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 pouch dry vegetable soup mix (preferably Knorr brand)
Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate overnight.
