Suzanne Stork

With profound gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, and deep sadness at our loss, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Suzanne (Behrend) Stork. Surrounded by the love of her four children, she was gently guided home to heaven on March 21, 2026, at her home, as birds sang just beyond her window.

Susan was born on April 17, 1941, in Parkston, South Dakota, to Joseph and Angeline (Springer) Behrend. She graduated from Parkston High School in 1959 and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1962, beginning a life marked by compassion, service, and steady devotion to others.

She was the true center of our family—the one who held everything together with grace, patience, and love. Susan married Frank in 1962, and together they built a life that spanned 62 years of deep partnership, quiet strength, and shared joy. She had a gift for noticing the good in each day. Even during illness, she would greet the morning with her familiar words, “It’s a beautiful day,” and somehow, because she said it, it always was.

Though she worked part-time as a registered nurse at Villa Marie Nursing Home, her life’s greatest calling was caring for her family and community. She gave her time generously as a room mother, Girl Scout leader, and volunteer at Belair School and St. Joseph Cathedral, always showing up with warmth and encouragement. She was the most faithful and enthusiastic presence in the stands, cheering on her grandchildren in every sport and activity, and she delighted in the lives of her three great-grandchildren.

Susan found joy and purpose in making the world around her more beautiful. Whether tending her own flower beds or working throughout Jefferson City, she left color, care, and life in her wake. For over forty years, she was a devoted member of the Bittersweet Garden Club and a skilled Master Gardener. In both, she led with humility, gave generously of her time, and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She was responsible for the Memorial Park Ameren UE grant as well as the “tree trails” for West School and St. Joseph Elementary school. She also loved to golf, take walks with her friends, and cook with her Gourmet Girls. She enjoyed a cold margarita and hot french fries. Her legacy is one of quiet strength, enduring kindness, and a deep, abiding love that will continue to bloom in all of us.

Susan and Frank are the parents of four children, Julie Starr, West Palm Beach, Florida; Judi Shipley and husband Curt, Jefferson City, Nancy Hoey and husband John, Prairie Village, Kansas; and son John and wife Heather of St. Louis, Missouri; Twelve grandchildren: Taylor Starr, Ellissa (William IV) Finnicum, Rachael (Dillon) Newman, Nolan (Kirsten) Shipley, Morgan Shipley, Claire Shipley, Sam (Emma) Heckart, Maya Heckart, Mallorie (Jesse) Lee-Brockhoff, and Jack Hoey; Jack Stork and Luke Stork; and three great-grandchildren, Cohen Shipley, Ava Lee-Brockhoff, and Rowen Heckart.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph from 9:30-10:45 a.m.  A family reflection will be shared at 10:45 a.m.  A Liturgical Service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral with the Rev. Stephen Jones officiating.

Donations may be made to the MECE Frank Stork Scholarship fund (make checks payable to: MECE Credit Union For: Frank Stork Scholarship Fund; The Carmelite Sisters and the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri. The family asks that you consider donating blood as a way to honor Susan. Both she and Frank were lifetime donors and donations like yours help give people more time with family and friends–just like it did for Susan.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.  trimblefunerals.com