Susan Marie Eichhorn
March 23, 1971 ~ November 13, 2024
Born in:
Waukegan, IL
Resided in:
Fargo, ND
Susan Eichhorn, 53, Fargo, ND, passed away on November 13, 2024.
Susan Marie Wightman was born on March 23, 1971 to Dixon and Toni (Lish) Wightman in Waukegan, IL. The family later moved to Bismarck, ND, where she flourished as a student. Following graduation from Bismarck High School in 1989, she attended Dickinson State University where she received a degree in Elementary Education, and was always proud of the fact she was crowned Homecoming Queen during her senior year in 1994. She later settled in Fargo, ND where she married Darby Eichhorn in 1997.
Throughout her life, Susan’s greatest joy was her children: Alex and Ellie. Despite their divorce in 2012, she and Darby remained close, prioritizing their children and maintaining a strong family bond. Her relationships with her in-laws remained strong as well, the family spending countless holidays together over the years. Susan was a dedicated mother, cherishing every moment spent with her kids and taking immense pride in their accomplishments. There was nothing in the world more important to Susan than her family.
Susan had a passion for music, fashion, and photography, which she shared with her friends and family. She loved to travel and document life through photography and scrapbooking. Her vibrant spirit and love for life shone through in all aspects of her being, from her eye for style to her enthusiastic participation in board games and card matches. Professionally, Susan excelled in the banking industry, dedicating 22 years to Bell Bank and relished in the opportunity to give back through their Pay-It-Forward program. She will be remembered for her generosity, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Those she cared most about will miss Susan’s loyalty, support, and thoughtfulness.
Susan is survived by her children, Alex and Ellie Eichhorn; the father of her children, Darby Eichhorn; her mother, Toni (Richard) Leger; her father, Dixon Wightman; her twin sister, Mary Bradley (Greg Urbanyi); her stepbrother Colin (Michelle) Klipfel; her stepsisters Robin Leger and Kelly (Evan) Massie; her nieces Macie Bradley, Mara and Paityn Klipfel, Saige Klipfel, and Keeley Eichhorn; her nephews Burke Bradley, Sebastian and Van Ruschival, Easton Massie, and Henry Eichhorn; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
Susan was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dixon and Betty Wightman; her maternal grandparents, Frank Lish, Arline Lish (Sheldon Spidell); her stepmother, Konnie Wightman; her stepsister, Kim Klipfel-Melillo; and her stepbrother, Toby Klipfel.
Services
Visitation - Saturday: November 23, 2024 1:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Saturday: November 23, 2024 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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My dearest, best friend Susan! Your family has written the perfect obituary for you. My heart is so broken. I will miss you forever my friend (aka my muddy buddy). One of the last things I sent to you was “when things go wrong you must not quit my friend. I will be here for you, help you with whatever you need, and you have so many people that love you and care about you. “. I will never understand, but I know you are at peace. We had a dear friendship and you were the best friend a friend could ever be. I love you. My prayers go out to the family, especially Ellie and Alex. May the Lord wrap his arms around the family and hold them up at this very very difficult time. Love, Karen Bolgrean.
My sincere sympathies to the family. Keeping all of you in my prayers!
PS. Mr Wightman, thanks for teaching me how to drive! I still hear your instructions when I’m trying to parallel park, typically nail it by the way 😉
-Jennifer Seitz (Hugh’s Jr High 1983-1986)
I worked with Susan at Bell Bank for many years, both at the Center Branch and at the Center North branch. She was always so friendly and had such an outgoing personality.
I am so saddened to hear about Susan’s passing. She was a beautiful person on both the inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and children.
Dear Dixon, Mary, and Susan’s family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Susan. She had so much more living to do! We know you’ve experienced more than your share of losses in these past years, Dixon, and know how difficult that has been. Just remember that someday these dear ones will welcome you to the biggest and best reunion in heaven where there will be no more tears!
She and Mary were classmates of our daughter Kristin Schmid growing up in Bismarck. Kristin Peters and her family live in Fargo. Three years ago we moved to West Fargo and it’s been a great move for us as we enjoy the activities of our youngest grandson, who is now a senior in high school as well as the friendships we’ve established here at The Ranch of the Wilds, where we live. Our move also gets a closer to our son Mark and family who are in Mpls; as well as our family cabin.
Are Mary and her family by chance living in Fargo too?
As you grieve the loss of your precious daughter, I want to share this with you,
“ It will be the little things that you will remember, the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter. And although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memories of these little things that help to push. away the pain and bring back the smiles again. “
My heart broke when I saw of Susan’s passing. She was always a cheerful voice on the phone or in person when I worked at Bell Bank. As was stated she was a fashion “queen” – we so loved to talk about clothes. May she shine in heaven as she did on earth. Rest in peace dear Susan.
Susan will be missed by many.
We haven’t seen her much as an adult, but throughly enjoyed her and her sister in their childhood.
Our sincere condolences and prayers to the families.
May her soul rest in peace.
Conald and Donna Havelka
Sending prayers to all of her family and friends. So very sorry for your loss.
Dex just want you to know that our thoughts and sympathy is with you in the loss of your daughter. Dennis and Lorna Olson
Laurie Anderson, Cash Wise
Co- worker
To all family members of Susan, a beautiful, lovely woman, beloved by so many.
Our hearts break for all of you. We feel sorrow with you at the passing of your mother, daughter,
daughter-in-law, wife, aunt, sister-in-law, friend. We pray for comfort for all of you from our dear Lord.
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and heals those who are crushed in spirit.”
With heartfelt sympathy and love, Pamela and Mark Herschlip
I am at a loss for words. Susan was beautiful, dynamic and so sweet and thoughtful. I sit here surrounded by gifts she’d given me over the years, treasured more now than ever. She was the first person I worked/trained with on my first day at Bell Bank in 2006. We hit it off and had many shopping, dinner and movie dates over the years. The past few years since covid and the relocation of many departments took us out of each other’s daily circle, but we always connected at the Bell Christmas Parties, dancing to The Johnny Holm band along with Lisa Ewertz. The 3 of us would stay until they closed it down. I will miss so many things about her but what comes to mind the most is the way she smiled so brightly and put her hands out when you encountered her saying “Hey girlie/chica”. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate life with out her. I know she is with you each and every step of the way.