Susan Grundhoefer, 60
Susan Grundhoefer, of Dale, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014 near her home. She was 60.
She was born Dec. 23, 1954, to Hosea and Betty Land in Edwardsport, Ind.
She recently retired from the North Spencer School Corporation in 2012 after serving 15 years as the principal of Heritage Hills Middle School.
Her list of accomplishments is so robust that it’s safe to say she didn’t waste a second of her time on this earth.
She worked tirelessly to improve her community and the well being of those around her by serving on numerous boards and leadership committees.
She was the pillar of her family and never once wavered in the face of adversity.
She was an avid gardener and force of nature in the kitchen and around the campfire pit, whipping up dishes like rhubarb pie, chocolate noodle clusters, chicken and dumplings and stew.
She enjoyed traveling with her family. During those trips, she meticulously mapped out points of interest for everyone in the group, never herself.
She also regaled her children with lessons of house cleanliness and never met a flower bed she didn’t intend to weed. Those fortunate enough to have called her “mom” or “grandma” remember her as a powerful beacon of light constantly guiding the way, navigating them through any problem small or large. She had her own special bond with every member of her family and had a knack for herding everyone together for holidays and frequent family gatherings.
She overstretched herself daily for her children and fellow community members and never expected anything in return. She was her best self each and every day.
Susan worked passionately outside of her house, too. She began her career with North Spencer School Corporation in 1975 as a special education teacher. After receiving her administrator certification, she served as the Heritage Hills Middle School principal, earning the distinction of Indiana Assistant Principal of the Year in 2002. She held a bachelor’s of science and master’s of science in special education.
She served on the Southern Hills Counseling Center Board of Directors for eight years, spending three of those years as the board president. In 1994, she received the “Outstanding Teacher Award” from the Indiana Federation Council for Exceptional Children.
Following her retirement, Susan continued volunteering her time to the community and the schools, even teaching her grandchildren at David Turnham Elementary School. She also worked as the migrant education grant coordinator for the Southern Indiana Education Center.
She is survived by her husband Bernie Grundhoefer, whom she married May 27, 1978; three daughters, Amber Wetzel and her husband Josh, Tara Thacker and her husband Andrew, and Denise Scott and her husband Brandon; son, Seth Grundhoefer and his wife Sarah; father, Hosea Land; sister, Cris Fulford; six grandchildren, Brie Anna Thacker, Noah Thacker, Rowan Thacker, Allie Wetzel, Tait Wetzel and Ty Wetzel; and several nieces and nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Land; and brothers, Timothy and Roger Land.
The family and North Spencer School Corporation are hosting a memorial service to honor Susan on Wednesday at Heritage Hills High School auditorium from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST with a remembrance ceremony at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Freedom Bank “Susan Grundhoefer Memorial Fund.” The family also requests that you spread Susan’s altruism. It’s something this world needs more of.
Fuller Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
