Suellen Mae Mischke

Suellen Mae Mischke, 77, of St. Joseph, MI passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 at her home.

Suellen was born on March 24, 1947 in Benton Harbor, MI, the oldest of three children, to the late Robert and Thelma (Stromberg) Reifschneider. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1965 and also took business classes at Lake Michigan College. She kicked off her career working in the office at Schultz Industrial Supply.

On December 2, 1967, Suellen married James Mischke, a local farmer, in Baroda. She quickly adapted to farm life and after two years of marriage, she hung up the office job to be a full-time homemaker and farmer as they introduced the first of their four children into the world. Suellen was the ideal homemaker. She enjoyed sewing and made many of her children’s clothes when they were young. Baking was another passion. If you knew Suellen, you certainly were privy to her homemade goodies including chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, German chocolate cake, waffles and more!

As a fruit and vegetable farmer, she had the luxury of having fresh grown asparagus, strawberries, red raspberries, zucchini, green peppers, cantaloupe, peaches, and grapes at the ready for canning. Suellen was a strong, hard-working woman. From riding the asparagus picker to packing berries to moving irrigation pipe and pulling up plastic after cantaloupe season (and so much more!), there wasn’t a job on the farm that she didn’t tackle.

After spending her days in the fields, she spent her evenings handling the farm’s bookkeeping. Nurturing, caring, and self-lessness were a few of Suellen’s admirable traits. She cared for many children, neighbors, and family members through the years. Though her favorite role was that of Nana. She was in her glory when the grandbabies entered her life.

Suellen enjoyed spending time up north at Mackinac Island and St. Ignace with Jim each fall at the close of their farm season. Their trips to Disney were also a love of Suellen’s. Recently Suellen and Jim celebrated 57 years of marriage. Their love, strength, and work ethic provided for the foundation and legacy for their family. She was a member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Along with Jim surviving are their four children: Robert (Debra) Mischke, Jill Haboush, Jami (Mark) Koebel, and Julie (Steve) Vrablic; eleven grandchildren: Jack and Wyatt Mischke; Taylor, Shelby, and Levi Haboush; Katelyn and Matthew Koebel; Megan and Kirsten Miazga; Samantha and Emily Vrablic; and sister Linda Huff. Suellen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Phillip Reifschneider; and niece, Cory Hendrix.

Friends may join the family for a graveside service at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Ruggles Cemetery in Baroda. A time of fellowship will follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Stevensville. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be given to either Hidden Acres Safe Haven, 50582 Pleasant Street, Dowagiac MI 49047 or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Road, Stevensville, MI 49127. Online condolences are welcomed at www.PikeFH.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman.