Susan Ruden

In Lieu of gifts and flowers please direct memorial contributions to the family for a cause to be decided at a later date. Please send to P. O. Box 65, Merrill, IA 51038.

Susan “Susie” Clarice (Klein) Ruden, age 71, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025 surrounded by her beloved family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Parish-St. Joseph Church in Le Mars, IA. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Remsen, IA. Visitation with family present will be 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday with a vigil prayer service at 7 p.m. at the church. Services have been entrusted to Fisch Funeral home & Monument in Remsen, IA. www.fischfh.com

Born May 2, 1953 in Granville, Iowa, to Marcel and Ann (Georgen) Klein. Susie lived a life rich in love, joy, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. She was the heart and soul of the Ruden family—the cherished matriarch whose kindness, humor, and strength shaped generations.

Susie was married to the love of her life, Mark Ruden, for nearly 50 years. Their marriage, just shy of its golden anniversary this July, was a shining example of enduring love, friendship, and partnership.

Together, they raised five children who carry her legacy forward, Anna (Zach) Sitzmann of Merrill, IA, and their children Suzanna and Everett; Rebecca (Danny) Pick of Merrill, IA, and their children Lila, Linden, Layna, and Layton; Melinda (Ashley) Ruden of Sioux City, IA and their children Kennedy and Nixon; Melissa (Derek) Mechaelsen of Clive, IA, and their children Rocco, Dax, and Coen; Jonathan Ruden of Le Mars, IA; her siblings, Donald Klein, Walt (Paula) Klein, Dave (Jeanie) Klein, Mike (Elaine) Klein, John (Rose) Klein, Debbie (Steve) Wandersheid; in-laws, Marilyn Reese, Larry Ruden, Mike (Jean) Ruden; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She loved being on the acreage being that she was raised on a farm where she worked hard growing up. She loved the country life. She was immensely proud of her family and found her greatest joy in watching her children and grandchildren grow. Whether cheering them on, offering a listening ear, or making them laugh with her goofy, lighthearted spirit, Susie was always there.

She adored the American flag and all it stood for, and her favorite color—purple—was a perfect reflection of her vibrant and bold personality. She loved the open road, especially on the back of a motorcycle with Mark, and never turned down the chance to go out to eat and enjoy a good meal with loved ones.

Susie will be remembered most for her kind heart, contagious laugh, and the fierce love she had for her family. She made every holiday more special, every ordinary day more meaningful, and every person she met feel seen and valued.She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and deep family connection. She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.

Susie was preceded by her parents and her sister, Karen Klein.

Casket bearers will be Zach Sitzmann, Danny Pick, Dusty Pick, Mike Ruden, John Klein, Derek Mechaelsen.