Susan "Sue" Jane Tasso

Susan “Sue” Jane Tasso, 69, passed away after a sudden illness on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at the University of Minnesota Fairview Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN while surrounded by her family.  
Sue was born on May 3, 1954, to Harold and Florence (Maas) Fruin in Oregon, Illinois.  She grew up in Stillman Valley, IL, as the youngest of five children in a farming focused household which helped foster her sense of toughness, hard-working character, and deep fear of spiders.  

Sue graduated from Stillman Valley High School (Class of 1972) where she met her future husband, James “Bo” Tasso.  They were married on May 4, 1973. Together they had three children – Amber, Thad, and Branden.  Bo and Sue became grandparents for the first time in 2002 and ultimately would become the proud and loving grandparents of seven grandchildren in total.  Sue was an intensely family-focused person who made a profoundly positive impact on those around her by exemplifying kindness, unselfishness, and integrity.  Outside of work, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren or visiting with her siblings, parents, and friends in the area.

In April 2017, Sue became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) through Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).  After an illustrious 36-year career at Blackhawk Veterinary Services, Ltd. in Byron, IL,  Sue retired in July 2023.  Shortly after her retirement, she moved to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to live with her youngest son, Branden, and his family.  In short time, Sue turned into an avid reader and continued her hobbies of quilting and sewing.  She was looking forward to starting a garden next summer. She was a lifelong member of Elim Reformed Church in Kings, IL having served as a Sunday School teacher and more recently as a Consistory Board member. 

Sue is survived by her children Amber (Weslee) McClendon of Stillman Valley, IL; Thad (Allison) Tasso of Norfolk, VA; and Branden (Leah) Tasso of Lakeville, MN; siblings Ronald (Kim) Fruin of Green Bay, WI; Sandra (Nicholas) Bell of Stillman Valley, IL; Randy (Donna) Fruin of Stillman Valley, IL; grandchildren Grant, Kylie, Jackson, Virginia, Braxton, Theo, and Trey.  Sue was predeceased by her husband Bo (2020), her sister Betty Russian (2013), her mother Florence (2014), and father Harold (2015).   
Sue was a wonderful person that will be remembered fondly by all those lucky enough to know her.  She will be missed immensely.  

A visitation will be held at Kishwaukee Community Evangelical Presbyterian Church from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, December 29, 2023.  A memorial service will be held in her honor at 10:30am on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Kishwaukee Community Evangelical Presbyterian Church with Pastor Marvin Jacobs officiating.  Sue will be laid to rest near her parents in White Rock Cemetery of Kings, IL.  Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Rockford Rescue Mission or PAWS Humane Society.