May 6, 1934—September 9, 2021

Sue was born on May 6, 1934 to Hazele Dorothy Thompson and Clifford Albee Thompson in Minneapolis, MN. Sue was the youngest of three children born to the family. She was baptized as an infant.  As a child, Sue enjoyed endless days playing with her big brothers Tommy and Rod, swimming in Lake Calhoun, and roller-skating. When she was six, they moved to Lake Minnewashta and lived in a cabin overlooking the lake until the house was built. Sue was always the first one to go swimming in the lake in the spring. As she entered high school in Excelsior she was known as another Minnewashta gal. "Suzy" was known as a H2O fiend, she gave swimming and ice skating top billing on her sports parade. In high school, she enjoyed hanging out and having sleepovers with her girlfriends at the cabin.

After graduating from Excelsior High School, she worked four years at Northern States Power (NSP).

She met the love of her life, Tom Clawson, through their mutual friend Don Schuetz in the summer of 1955 in Excelsior. They were married a year later on June 10, 1956 a very hot (100 degree) day. They lived in Excelsior for 3 years before moving to St. Louis Park, then St. Paul, and finally West St. Paul.

Their first son, Tom, Jr., was born March 15, 1957 on his dad's birthday. Their second son, Tim, was born February 27, 1959. They then welcomed son number three, Jonathan (Jon), into the world on August 3, 1964.

Sue's husband became West St. Paul's first Park & Recreation Director in 1965. This is when they moved into their residence in West St. Paul. Raising 3 boys, kept her plenty busy, and there was never a dull moment in the neighborhood. Sue served as church secretary at Emanuel Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN, for 18 years before retiring in 2001.

Sue avidly loved and supported her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved attending their sporting events, concerts, plays, musicals, music recitals, and family parties. She also enjoyed vacationing and day trips to enjoy family and friends. She took every opportunity to make sure her family and friends knew how much they meant.

Sue enjoyed gardening and feeding wild birds. Sue enjoyed baking and making her legendary fruit jellies. Preparing Christmas baskets for the Pastors and friends was always a highlight of the holiday season for her. She had many interests and hobbies that she kept up with throughout the years. Sue and her husband were very active at St. James Lutheran Church.  She was active in the Ladies Guild, playing 500, and assisted her husband Tom with the Annual Church Picnic for many years. She loved our Lord and Savior dearly and enjoyed serving in many different ways.

Sue's husband Tom was very active in the Minnesota Korean War Veteran Association (MKWVA). Sue's husband Tom was instrumental in the creation and dedication of the Korean War Memorial on the State Capitol Mall. Tom was also very active with the National Korean War Veterans Association (NKWVA) serving as 1st Vice President. Sue also revisited South Korea twice with her husband. Her husband was also involved in the National Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C., and she attended the dedication of the memorial with her husband and son, Tim. Sue was always working behind the scenes supporting her husband and the Korean Veterans.

Sue lived a full and happy life surrounded by family and friends. She left her earthly house to her heavenly home peacefully and with dignity on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

She is survived by her son, Tom, Jr., wife, Bridget, and their children: Ben (Rhianna) and son Elias, Laura, Emily Shively (Cody) and daughter Gwen, Allison, Bethany, and Grace. She is also survived by son, Tim, and his daughters: Merica Mixer (Andrew) and their children, Drew, Marianna, Anna, Micah, Alivia, Alaina, Edda, and Zaydin, and Devra Overton (Steve) and sons Riley and Gaborik.  She is survived by her brother Rodney (Claudia) and sister-in-law Beverly Thompson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, their beloved son, Jonathan, her brother, Tommy, and parents, Hazele and Clifford Thompson.