Susan Hart

On June 7, 2022, Susan E. Hart, age 75, passed away at her daughter’s home in Minnetonka, MN after a brave battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by those who loved her dearly as well as the sights and sounds of nature that called for her return to the earth she loved and worked to protect. She is survived by her daughter (Brye Vankerk), son-in-law (Olivier Vankerk), grandchildren (Theo & Nils), Bother (Stephen DePolis) and sister-in-law (Sherrill DePolis) as well as her nieces and nephew.

Susan was born to Louis and Gladys DePolis on December 21, 1946. She developed her love and appreciation for nature early in life. In her words; “(She and her brother Steve) …spent the autumns of our youth canoeing, fishing and exploring the Canadian lakes north of Lake Superior, where the breathtaking wilderness and the wildlife it sheltered were on full display”. Further, her father’s business career created numerous moves during Sue’s childhood. With each move, her parents built a new home on a quiet, wooded lot near a stream, river or lake. She observed how they developed their land in ways that nurtured indigenous plant life and minimized their impact on the surrounding environment – a practice she would later repeat when she and her husband, David Hart, built their home in Avoca, WI decades later. These early experiences shaped her later passion for and continuous travel back to the North Shore of Lake  .

Susan spent her career as a forward thinking and inspirational art teacher at Southwestern High School in Hazel Green, WI. She was able to combine her passion for nature and her artistic talent in ways that inspired two generations of young adults and positively impact the lives of countless others. Even to most recently, she spent time leaving her creative mark on people’s lives.

Susan found kindred spirits when she became a part of the Miniss Kitigan Drum (MKD), which honors the traditions and teachings of the Anishinaabe, and learning from great teachers such as Keewaydinoquay. The community & traditions provided clarity, meaning and comfort both in her life and in her passing.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Susan touched are invited to the chapel at Roselawn Memorial Park, 401 Femrite Dr, Monana, WI at 10 am on Friday, July 8, 2022, to remember, share stories, grieve, and support each other. If you are able to join, please bring a copy of a favorite photo that reminds you of Susan to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in honor of Susan to the Twin Cities, MN based organization FREE ARTS, which provides children with a safe place for artistic expression and self-discovery. You can go to https://www.bigstwincities.org/free-arts/ to donate.