Susan M. Paul

Susan Marie Vandenbusch Paul, of Prairie du Sac, WI passed away unexpectedly on May 8, 2026.

Born January 6, 1946 in Green Bay, WI, Sue was the daughter of Alice and Bernard Vandenbusch. She attended St. Bernards Catholic School in Green Bay. As a child, she enjoyed summer trips to Trout Lake with her parents, her two brothers, and the extensive group of Vandenbusch relatives who gathered there together every summer.

Sue graduated from Green Bay Preble High School in 1964. She remained lifelong friends with a number of school classmates who continue to gather for yearly reunions.

Sue attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. During college, Sue met George Paul and they were married on August 2, 1968. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Japan for George's military service. Sue shared fond memories of exploring the sights and culture while teaching at the American School in Japan. Lifelong friendships bloomed during their time in Japan.

Upon returning to the U.S., they began raising a family and settled in Madison. When the kids were young, Sue worked part-time in the Madison Public School District but still found time to be active in her kids first T-ball and soccer teams, make lifelong friends with neighbors, and pursue her master’s degree in special education. The family enjoyed camping trips to Trout Lake and Minocqua and ski trips to the UP. When the kids were older Sue began working at Central Wisconsin Center. She and her colleagues (who became good friends too!) worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of residents. Sue retired after 17 years.

Sue did not slow down in retirement, however. There was much travel, including cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, trips "out west" for skiing, hiking, and visiting National Parks, and more trips to the Caribbean for snorkeling. During 3 years living in coastal Georgia, Sue started teaching water aerobics, yoga, and stretching classes primarily for "older people who want to stay healthy."

When grandkids started arriving, Sue and George moved back to Wisconsin and settled in Prairie du Sac. Sue always had books, crafts, snacks, and hugs for grandkids. She loved exploring the outdoors with them and listened enthusiastically to their stories, thoughts, and songs. As the grandkids grew older Sue attended as many of their baseball and soccer games, Tae Kwon Do exhibitions, recitals, concerts, and parades as she possibly could.

Sue enjoyed many outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, biking, skiing, and traveling to warm destinations with family and friends. She also enjoyed supporting Wisconsin Badger sports and Green Bay Packers football.

Sue became active in the Prairie du Sac community leading yoga/stretch classes, delivering food for the local Meals on Wheels program, and volunteering at Sauk Prairie hospital and the Sauk Prairie Community Club. Sue also joined hiking and kayaking groups, a book club, and yes, developed many friendships throughout the community.

Remaining to cherish Sue’s memory are children Michelle (Jeff) Hutchens and Michael (Sarah) Paul, grandchildren, siblings Tom (Carol) Vandenbusch and Mark (Mary) Vandenbusch, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and numerous other loving relatives and close friends. Sue is preceded in death by her mother and father.

We will miss her smile, her laughs, and her hugs. Her unwavering belief in all of us to be kind. Our lives are forever changed without her. We reflect on the love she gave us and aspire to share it with others.

A memorial service for family and close friends will be held at Hooverson's Funeral Home in Sauk City on June 12 at 1:00 PM followed by a public visitation from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Vintage Brewery in Sauk City from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

Memorial donations in Sue’s memory may be directed to Sauk Prairie Mobile Meals, Ice Age Trail or the Great Sauk State Trail