Sue Fairchild, age 76, of Canby, MN, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2023 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Fr. Ron Huberty celebrating. Visitation will be held 4 pm t0 6 pm with a Prayer Service at 6 pm on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN and will resume Monday one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials preferred to Hospice and Blue and Gold Foundation. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby is entrusted with the arrangements.
Caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Suzanne (Sue) M. Fairchild lost her courageous battle with cancer on November 2nd, 2023, at age 76. She was born to Francis and Lorraine (Winkels) King on January 13, 1947, in Canby, MN. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Curtis Fairchild, son Chris Fairchild, wife, Kristi Riley and daughter Chloe of Andover, MN; daughter Jodi Hill, husband, Brooks of Morris, MN, and sons, Chase Keimig, wife, Chessa and daughter Ada, of Mesa, AZ; Beau Keimig of Honolulu, HI, and daughters, Skyler Hill of Alexandria, MN and Tarryn Hill of Fargo, ND, sisters, Kathy Green of Apple Valley, MN, Nancy McLain, and husband Ron of Prior Lake, MN, Bonnie Engesmoe and husband Gordy of Canby, MN, brother-in-law, Paul Fairchild, and wife Deb of Park Rapids, MN, sister-in-law, Ruth Fairchild, and husband David Pederson of New London, MN and many nieces and nephews. After marrying in 1966, Curt and Sue resided in Minneapolis, MN for three years and one year in Granite Falls, MN before moving back to Canby, MN to raise their kids and be close to family. Sue worked as secretary at Gamble-Robinson and Gamble-Skogmo in Minneapolis, MN, then as secretary at the Granite Falls, MN area vocational school. After moving back to Canby, Sue worked as secretary at the Canby Clinic and Canby Vocational School for a few years before moving to Canby Elementary School as secretary where she spent 32 years of her working career. Upon retiring from the Elementary School, Sue nannied her granddaughter Chloe for Chris and Kristi for three years at their home in Andover, MN. Sue enjoyed all things family. If there was a family gathering on the calendar, Sue would always be there to participate, support and bring food to share. Sue refused to miss any birthday parties, school or religious milestone events, sporting events, concerts, plays, etc., that her children and grandchildren participated in and would travel the Minnesota landscape in rain, sleet, snow or sunshine conditions to attend. In her retirement years, Sue enjoyed her weekly Canasta card club, monthly book club and planning or attending the next family event or gathering. Sue and Curt also traveled more in retirement, returning to favorites like Park Rapids for snowmobiling and Stillwater for orchard visits. Their most recent trips were to New England for fall colors and to Arizona to meet Ada. Sue’s position at the school allowed her to do what she loved: connect with people. She especially enjoyed opportunities to interact with students and staff. She warmly welcomed all. Sue also conscientiously supported local businesses and worked for local causes including the American Cancer Society, Hospice, and the Council of Catholic Women at St. Peter’s. Her kind and caring nature drew people to her and made her a treasured friend to many.
Sue is preceded in death by parents, Francis and Lorraine King, father and mother-in-law, Glenn and Shirley Fairchild and sister-in Law, Kathryn Fairchild.
