Susan M. (Ziske) Sargent

Chesterton Resident Susan Sargent passes at 79.

       Susan M. Sargent, 79, of Chesterton, IN passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025.  She was born on May 25, 1946 in Duluth, MN to Charles Ziske and Alice Ziske, both of whom preceded her in death.

       On June 22, 1968, at Aitkin United Methodist Church, she married Roger Sargent, who survives in Chesterton.  

       She is also survived by her children, Janna Mullen of Chesterton and Andrew (Liza) Sargent of Crown Point; her 6 treasured grandchildren, Jack (Emily) Mullen, Nick Mullen, Chris Mullen, Luke Sargent, Nora Sargent, and Mia Sargent; her sisters, Janelle Ziske and Nancy (Tom) Whitehead;  extended family in MN and many friends she made throughout her life.  

       Susan was a longtime member of the Chesterton United Methodist Church and also spent time supporting many community organizations and was particularly proud of her involvement in Tri Kappa, a philanthropic sorority in Indiana focused on promoting charity, culture and education.   She will always be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  

       Susan graduated from Aitkin High School in 1964, where she was an active member of the band, cheerleading squad, and field hockey team. She loved being an Aitkin Gobbler and was quite good at the Gobbler yell!  She was proud of her Aitkin roots and fondly remembered her small-town life in northern Minnesota, especially her lifelong friendship with Jan (Gross) Hack, who survives in Deerwood, MN.

       Susan began her college career at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN where she met her future husband Roger while they were freshman.  Susan eventually transferred her education to MayBeth Paige secretarial school.  She and Roger were married in 1968 and shortly after, Roger was offered a teaching position in New Buffalo, MI, and the couple moved there. They promised to return to Minnesota after a few years, but life had other plans, and they settled in Chesterton in 1973 when Roger accepted a teaching role at Westchester Middle School. 

       Over the years, Susan worked part time at Indiana Furniture, Porter Bank and The Law offices of Greg Babcock.  She made many lasting friendships from each of her places of employment.  She was a supportive wife and mother and attended many school functions where she met and befriended many educators and their spouses and families.  

       Being a member of the Chesterton United Methodist Church also provided Susan with a kind, loving, and forever church family.  She was very proud to be a Tri Kappa and spent so many years meeting monthly and planning ways to support Chesterton organizations and families.   She loved being social and loved playing games so her membership in a monthly bridge group and bunco group was a highlight for her.  

       Susan was a great conversationalist and loved visiting with friends whenever she could.  She and Roger spent time during their retirement serving others through the Meals on Wheels program.  Roger was the driver and Susan insisted on being the one to walk the meal into homes so that she could spend quality time visiting with those receiving the meals.

       Susan loved living near her grandchildren, spending time with them, and watching them grow up.  For the last several years, she suffered from Alzheimer's dementia but her husband was a great caregiver and made sure they attended as many school events and parties as possible!  Susan lived the last year of her life at the Valparaiso Care and Rehab Center where she was cared for with compassion, dignity and love.  She will be missed by so many who loved her.  

       Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 at Chesterton United Methodist Church, 434 S Second Street, Chesterton, with Pastor Esta Rosario officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.  Lunch will be served downstairs following the service where the family would enjoy continuing sharing fond memories of their wife, mother, and grandmother.  A private family burial will be held at Chesterton Cemetery.  

       Memorial donations may be made to the Chesterton United Methodist Church; or to the Tri Kappa Memorial Fund, 10446 Tremond Drive, Fishers, IN  46037.  

       Professional arrangements are entrusted to White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton.  Please share your wonderful memories with the family at www.whitelovefuneralhome.com

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