Susan Birkeland

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April 12, 1925 – November 4, 2020

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  • Susan Birkeland
    Susan Birkeland
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Susanna (Montie) Birkeland passed away November 4, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in New Underwood.

Susan was born April 12, 1925 to Fred and Juliana (Schmidt) Montie in Quilcene, WA, the youngest of four children. Susan spent her childhood in northeastern South Dakota, specifically in the Wetonka and Aberdeen area. She graduated from Ipswich High School and then completed the one year rural curriculum at Northern State Teacher’s College in Aberdeen in 1944.

Susan’s first job was at Dupree teaching the 7th and 8th grades, a position she held for three years.

On June 9, 1946 she was united in marriage to Russell C. Birkeland and to this union seven children were born. She was active in Extension Club, Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary and the UCC Church quilting group.

Susan worked as a bookkeeper for the Farmers State Bank 1st Insurance Agency for ten years. She moved to Spearfish in the fall of 1993 and enjoyed the friendships of many, including several former Dupree residents.

Susan loved to travel, visiting 49 states and making some trips abroad. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing and quilting.

Susan resided in Spearfish until October 2015 when she suffered a stroke, necessitating her move to the Good Samaritan Society.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children: Julie (Dennis) Christianson of Rapid City, Glenda (A.J.) Starr of Faith, Jim (Nancy) Birkeland of Rapid City, Kristi (Rick) Farlee of Lantry, Marc (Dawn) Birkeland of Huron; Brett Birkeland of Denver, CO, and Colette (Rod) Hupp of Aladdin, WY; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, in 1978; her parents; two sisters and one brother.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Dupree.

A memorial has been established to the Good Samaritan Activity Fund, P.O. Box 327, New Underwood, SD 57761.

Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.