Susan M. Searing passed away 12/23/2025 at Maplewood Sauk Prairie. She was born on 10/6/1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of Violet (Hausen) and Sidney Johnson, Susan grew up in Burnsville Mn., graduated from Burnsville High School (where she was an exceptional saxophonist), received her bachelor's from Metropolitan State University and her master's from University of Wisconsin- Stout. She achieved the level of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) with Life distinction.

Susan was employed by Control Data for 20 years, starting in administration and rose to the position of HR Director of their training division (TRO).  All of her post high school education was achieved over nights and weekends.

Susan (Berg at that time) married Rick Searing on Lake Minnetonka in 1989, aboard The Queen of Excelsior.  Rick and Susan's careers took them from Burnsville to Menomonie, Mosinee, Appleton with them retiring on Castle Rock Lake near Arkdale in Wisconsin. Susan's employers included Lutheran Pension Fund, Conagra, McCain Foods, and Alcan-Bemis. Susan has maintained friendships with co-workers from the past 50 plus years. Rick and Susan have split their retirement years between Wisconsin and Fort Myers Florida.

During their marriage, Rick and Susan always lived near water. She taught several nieces, nephews and stepchildren how to water ski and tube (she was good at snow skiing also). Sailing and kayaking was her pastime.  She also sponsored "Camp Searing" where the grandkids spent time at the Searing "Castle" crafting, swimming and competing.

Before Susan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Susan and Rick did road trips in their Z3 on Route 66 and the Northern Rockies into Canada. She was able to attend her stepson's wedding onboard an Alaskan Cruise ship in May of 2024.  Susan also loved Rock N' Roll and she and Rick were always first on the dance floor and last off.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rick Searing; daughter Cynthia Berg; brothers, Gregg and Gary Johnson; sister-in-law Rene Johnson; stepchildren Emily (Dirk) Shimpach, Ben (Teresa) Searing, Katie (Brian) Gergen; including many nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren that she loved deeply.

Susan was preceded by in death by her brother, Mark Johnson; her mother, Violet Johnson and her father, Sidney Johnson.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to all of the caring staff at Maplewood and Agrace Hospice. Through her death, Susan supported Alzheimer's Research through the University of Wisconsin Madison. Donations may be directed to Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund,  https://adrc.wisc.edu/give  in memory of Susan Searing.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Wisconsin and Minnesota.