Surrounded by the love of her family, Susanna (Susan) Reddekopp (née Fehr) finished her earthly journey and entered the presence of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on July 17, 2026, at the age of 96.

Susan was born on April 28, 1930, to David and Katharina (Braun) Fehr on their farm near Edenburg, half a mile from the South Saskatchewan River. She was the fourth youngest of sixteen children—five half-siblings, nine full siblings, and one adopted brother. She described her childhood as wonderful: a time of play, adventure, raising little lambs, and attending River Park School north of Aberdeen. The sudden loss of her beloved father when she was just fourteen years old, however, became one of the defining experiences of her youth and remained close to her heart throughout her life.

On June 15, 1948, Susan was baptized upon the confession of her faith. Later that summer, on August 22, she married John D. Reddekopp on her mother’s farm, with Rev. Heinrich D. Martens officiating, beginning a loving marriage that would span nearly sixty-three years.

Together, Susan and John built a life centred on faith, family, and hard work. During the early years of their marriage, Susan worked at a fish and chip shop in Saskatoon, carefully saving her earnings to buy the sewing machine that would serve her and her family for many years to come. The couple also spent a year in Burns Lake, British Columbia, before returning to Saskatchewan, where they shared in a variety of business ventures over the years, including a dairy farm, Weldon’s Concrete Products, Hague Hardware, a family restaurant, and a Dairy Queen. They also loved exploring God’s world together, travelling to Europe, Lebanon, Israel, and many other destinations, and helping organize numerous seniors’ bus tours throughout North America.

Susan and John were blessed with seven children who filled their home with laughter and love. As their family grew to include grandchildren, Susan embraced her role as Grandma with boundless love and delight. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to creating a home where everyone knew they belonged. Her kitchen was the heart of that home, where fresh buns, vereniki, kielkje, donuts, and countless homemade meals and treats became cherished family traditions—and one of the many ways she expressed her love. Some of her family’s happiest memories were made aboard the Reddekopp tour bus, as children and grandchildren set off together on grand summer adventures. The highlight of every trip came at the very first stop, when Susan’s freshly made donuts emerged and quickly disappeared.

Gifted with her hands, Susan spent countless hours quilting, sewing beautiful beaded moccasins, and crocheting blankets for her loved ones. Through the Mennonite Central Committee, many of her quilts also brought warmth, comfort, and hope to people in need.

Following John’s call to ministry in the Bergthaler Mennonite Church in 1968, Susan faithfully served beside him for nearly three decades as a minister’s wife and later the bishop’s wife. While John preached from the pulpit, Susan ministered in countless quieter ways through hospitality, encouragement, and steadfast support for both her family and the many people whose lives they touched together.

Susan’s faithfulness was perhaps most evident during John’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She cared for him with extraordinary patience, tenderness, and unwavering love until his passing on May 27, 2011. In the years that followed, she continued to live with resilience and quiet determination. Even into her nineties, she remained remarkably active, walking 10,000 steps each day. After breaking her hip at the age of ninety-four, she worked tirelessly through excruciating rehabilitation with one goal: to return home. And she did.

Susan never sought recognition for herself. Instead, she lived out the faith she professed with grace and humility. She was a woman of deep and steadfast prayer, faithfully lifting up her family and others before God. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. Her legacy is found not in titles or accomplishments, but in the countless lives she shaped through simple acts of love, faithfulness, and service. Her family, her church, and all who knew her are better because she was part of our lives.

Nothing brought Susan greater joy than her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Frances (Larry) Saggs; Joan (John) Giesbrecht; Barbara (Peter) Janzen; Shirley (John) Martens; Marlene (Henry) Janzen; Karen (Glen) Neufeld; and Stanley (Janet) Reddekopp; 21 grandchildren and their spouses; 42 great-grandchildren; one great-granddaughter-in-law; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; a stillborn daughter; all her siblings and most of their spouses; and three grandchildren.

A funeral celebrating Susan’s life will be held at Warman Bergthaler Mennonite Church, 206 Second Street, Warman, Saskatchewan on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with her son-in-law, Pastor Henry Janzen, officiating. Interment will follow at Warman Cemetery, where her body will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband’s grave. For those unable to attend, a livestream link will be made available prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Valley Christian Academy.

It is our honour and privilege to care for our beloved Mom, Mother-in-Law, and Grandma, Susan.