Susan Strauch LaPorte

It is with deep sadness that the family of Susan Eileen Strauch LaPorte, 75, announce her passing on May 6, 2025, in her home in Foley, Alabama after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer. Susan was born on November 8,1949, in Peoria, Illinois and was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Washburn, Illinois. Susan was a loving mother and adoring grandmother and is survived by her children Lori Judy of Western Springs, Illinois, Craig (Robyn) LaPorte of Redondo Beach, California, Dr. Lisa Haines of St. Louis, Missouri; granddaughters Catherine and Charlotte Judy and, Anna, Helena, and Adela Haines; brother Dr. John (Cherlyn) Strauch; and life-long friend Christine DeBolt. She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Dorothy Strauch and husband Lawrence LaPorte.

Susan grew up in Washburn and received a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. She later returned with her husband to Washburn to raise her family. Susan eventually earned a Master of Science in Education from Illinois State University and taught second grade at Lowpoint-Washburn Elementary School for over 20 years. In retirement, Susan relocated to St. Louis, Missouri for several years until she settled in Foley, Alabama which she affectionately referred to as “Paradise”. Yes ma’am.

Susan was a force of nature, which, combined with her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, led her on many adventures assisting people in need. During her time in St. Louis, she was an active member of Webster Groves Lutheran Church, embarking on missionary trips to Hong Kong, Uganda, and Belize. Susan possessed the unique ability to make deep personal connections with those she met during her mission work. Through Webster Groves, she applied her teaching skills as an English as a Second Language tutor, assisting her students not only in their new language, but in all aspects of life. In Foley, Susan was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where she made dear and loyal friends while she continued her commitment to service through Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Vacation Bible School, and chairing the annual fund-raising bazaar.

A known Standard Poodle enthusiast, Susan was a devoted mother to her “boys” Jack and Leo. Many friendships were forged from a shared love of poodles.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Foley, Alabama with funeral service immediately following at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Foley, Alabama.

Burial services will be held at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, Illinois on Friday May 30, 2025, at 10:00 am.

ARRANGEMENTS BY
WOLFE-BAYVIEW
FUNERAL HOMES
& CREMATORY, INC.
2551 S. McKENZIE STREET
FOLEY, AL. 36535
(251) 943-2391
www.wolfefuneralhomes.com