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   Susan Alice Strusinski, age 83 of Backus, Minnesota, was born in Minneapolis to Walter and Alice Helin on March 5, 1942, and passed away on January 30, 2026.

   Susan’s love for the Lord knew no bounds. She spent her life praising Him and sharing His love with others. She also loved to learn, was an avid reader and held several degrees in nursing and education. She was extremely devoted to her entire family and her many lifelong friends. Susan traveled extensively, was a talented artist, and lived in awe of nature & animals. She felt blessed to own her lake home where she could inhale the beauty of God’s wonders every day.

   She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nancy Helin. Survived by her sister, Carol (Jeff) Kahnke; sons, Matt (Stephanie) Hanlon, Warren (Laurel) Hanlon, Scott Hanlon, and Randy Strusinski; daughters, Triny (Bob) Dawson and Tracy Matuska. She enjoyed many wonderful years with her grandchildren: Scott Jr., Jessie (Hannah), Erin, Tyler, Tori, Morgan (Matt), Dylan, Macey (Mike), Nicholas (Betsy), Gabriel, and Cayenne; along with 14 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

   A celebration of life will be planned for later this year when the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming.

   Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Pine River.

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