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Susan Donovetsky Ronning, age 80, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Susan was born on July 28, 1945, at Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Her family moved to Millburn where Susan attended South Mountain Elementary School, later graduating from Millburn High School. Upon graduation, Susan headed west, enrolling in the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She majored in history and education. On September 22, 1965, while attending Russian history class, at 9:55 a.m. she sat down next to a guy she had never seen before. At the conclusion of the class they spoke their first words to each other. After that meeting they were seldom seen separately. Susan completed her degree and became a history and English teacher at New Richmond Middle School. She taught there for 33 years and for many years has maintained affection for “her kids” who she would see in the community. Throughout her life Susan maintained her love and interest in history. She was a voracious reader of history and historical fiction. She mastered the art of making superb lefse. She also happily knitted several Scandinavian sweaters and countless pairs of mittens.
Susan married the stranger from her history class on June 6, 1967 at the Unitarian Meeting House in Madison. They moved to New Richmond and eventually to Star Prairie. They built a home in the woods where they raised a wonderful family that included Emily Anne, Eleanor Soon Young, and Andrew Sung Woo. They also had several exceptional dogs . . . currently George Michael Bluth. Susan was a loving wife, mother, and friend. She had a keen sense of humor and deep compassion for others. Susan and her husband Jon would have celebrated 59 years of marriage in June.
Susan was preceded in death by her father Mike Donovetsky, her mother Lea Hausner Donovetsky, her sister Paula Resnick, and her niece Liz Resnick. She is survived by her husband Jon, her daughters Emily and Eleanor, her son Andrew, a wonderful son-in-law Jay Mac Bride, granddaughter Maddy Ronning Mac Bride, niece Amy Resnick and nephew Michael Resnick, and many dear friends including Mona and Tom Johnson and Edna and Denny Early.
Susan’s family is grateful for the loving care provided for over two years by the staff– Lisa, Liz, Stephanie, Cassie and Bethany–at the DaVita Dialysis Center in Stillwater, Minnesota.
A celebration of Susan’s life was held on Friday, June 12 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the RCU Foundation Meeting Room South at the New Richmond Community Library.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to the New Richmond Community Library.
21 Comments
Susan Ronning was a life toucher who brought passion and brilliance to her roles of wife, mother, and teacher. How her eyes and smile would sparkle as she relayed the achievement of another. The world was brighter with her presence. Heartfelt sympathy to her beloved family.
Susan took me under her wing as a young New Richmond Middle School art teacher. She was a great friend, mentor and companion those first years teaching and living in the City Beautiful. Jon and Susan’s passion for cross country skiing became outs also under their influence and skiing on their land. The rest was history in terms on a long term friendship. Denny and I are so grateful to Susan and Jon for multiple reasons. Often involving University of Wisconsin Madison sports, environmental and educational influences plus so much more. Susan will be greatly missed by many. Our heartfelt condolences to Jon, Em, Eleanor, Andrew, Jay, Maddie and many others who loved her too.
Jon
Our condolences. May your many years of memories lift you to. The days and months to come.
Deb & Zane
Susan was the most wonderful, caring presence in the middle school and especially on the second floor. She was so kind and welcoming to a neophyte Spanish teacher and all through our many years of teaching together. She really loved her kids! Heartfelt condolences to you Jon, Em, Eleanor and Andrew. Susan was a powerful source of good in this community. She will be sorely missed.
She was a wonderful, kind & insightful teacher! I recall one term/topic she introduced to us in 7th or 8th grade (can’t remember which!) was “filibuster.” She put her all into teaching us!
Mr. Ronning,
My condolences to you and your family.
My condolences to the Ronning family. Mrs. Ronning was an excellent teacher, she had a real warmth and interest in inspiring us to learn. I’ll never forget her excitement while instructing us on Mesopotamia! May her memory be for a blessing.
My condolences to your entire family. It’s very sad to hear of the passing of Susan. She was a tremendous teacher and a wonderful colleague at NRMS. I remember that Susan had a real gift for seeing the good in students and staff alike. Her impact lives on through those she met, taught, and worked with.
My deepest condolences to you, Jon, Emily, Ellie, and Andy. Sue was a good teacher and friend. She was always very upbeat and welcoming. She had a positive influence on the many students she taught. Rest in peace Susan.
Dear Mr Ronning, I’m so sorry for your loss. I so fondly remember your story telling in the classroom about the wonderful experiences you and Susan had together. I can’t recall exactly a specific story but I certainly recall the love and connection you had for each other. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope you find comfort with those closest to you during this difficult time while also celebrating the life Susan lived and the incredible memories you all had together.
With deepest sympathy, Ben
Susan was a generous woman with a kind heart. I will miss our wonderful talks as she gives advice on family and life without judgement. Susan had a way of making anyone feel special; she was truly an exceptional woman. She will be deeply missed.
My heartfelt condolences to Jon, Emily, Eleanor, Andrew and Maddy.
She was a great lady, and I really enjoyed her as a teacher. She will be missed.
Jon, I just heard about Susan’s passing. You have my condolences. Due to my mobility problems I won’t make it to the celebration of Susan’s life. I will email you later on.
Your old pal from NRHS,
Dennis
Easily one of my favorite middle school teachers. Always kind, and I enjoyed our conversations after class. (No, it wasn’t detention!)
Jon & family, my deepest heartfelt condolences. Susan was a favorite person of mine. Always cheerful and friendly. I will miss running into her and carrying on conversations and getting hugs.
Jon & family, my deepest heartfelt condolences. Susan was a favorite person of mine. Always cheerful and friendly. I will miss running into her and carrying on conversations and getting hugs.
Susan welcomed me into her home more than twenty years ago and made me feel like family from the very beginning. I will always remember her kindness, her warm smile, and the wonderful memories we shared together in Wisconsin. Those memories remain precious to me to this day. My heart is with Jon and the entire family.
With love from Taiwan,
Jackie
One of my favorite middle school teachers. May she rest peacefully.
Mr. Ronning, whom you shall always be to me, sending good vibes your way for the days ahead, Sounds like Mrs, Ronning was as awesome a teacher as your were. Maggie
Oh Sue! You will be missed! You were one of my favorite teachers and went on to be a light in my day each time I would see you. I remember getting in “trouble” in ypur class gor talking (who?me?), but you werent every very strict. I think you saw yourself in me. RIP sweet lady.
Judy and I extend our sincere condolences to Jon and family. She was definitely a superstar and we consider ourselves quite fortunate to have crossed paths with her. RIP Sue.
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