Susan Whisler-Wendt
Susan E. Whisler-Wendt was born May 18, 1949, and was the youngest of 13 children. She grew up in the Amish country of Western Pennsylvania and lived in numerous other locations before retiring in Rapid City, S.D.
Susan worked for years for Girls Scouts of America and was very involved in the scouting life. Susan was awarded the South Dakota Volunteer of the Year while at Girls Scouts of America.
To start her second career, she went back to school where she received her bachelor’s in education and her master’s degree in computer science. She taught for years in the Southern Hills school districts in K-12 and helped support the schools’ computers and multimedia.
She raised Joseph, James and Aimee. She was a foster mom to other children during her years in Alaska. She was dedicated to taking care of her daughter, Aimee, who lives at Black Hills Works.
Susan married Gary Wendt June 19, 1992, and together they raised their blended families.
Susan died Nov. 30, 2019. She was 70.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Irma and Norman Whisler; and several brothers and sisters.
Susan is survived by her husband, Gary; children, Joseph and Crystal Johns, James and Connie Johns, Aimee Johns, Candace (Wendt) Rod Bliss, Tiki (Wendt) Mike Adler, Nicola (Wendt) Paul Pearce and Gary Jr. and Tish Wendt; grandchildren, Zayn, Zoie (Joe), Taygen, Brayden, Dayten (James), Todd, Kayla, Hallie (Candace), Desiree, Madison, Daniel, Nathan (Nikki), Ashley, Taylor, Garrett, Kyra, Caden (Tiki), Hailey, Ava, Damian, Mersadies and Alora (Gary Jr.); great-grandchildren, Tatum and Leyton; brother, Harry; and sisters, Nancy and Charlotte.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations can be made to Black Hills Works.