Obituary of Susan Phyllis Van Cleaf

Susan Van Cleaf Obituary

Susan (Sue) Phyllis Van Cleaf, 81, of Minnetonka, MN passed away on April 13, 2025.

Sue was born Feb. 27, 1944, in Wauwatosa, WI to John and Johanna (née Bauer) Sprague. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a degree in Journalism in 1967. Sue met William John Van Cleaf while in high school; they attended college together and were married on June 10, 1967.

Sue was a lover of cats, and of woods, bogs, lakes, birds, and wildflowers. She was an avid reader of fiction and mysteries, and was an enthusiastic sports fan, cheering on the Twins, Packers, Badgers, and Lynx.

Sue was a passionate and award-winning writer, nature photographer, and video producer. She had a long career as a professional communicator, spending 14 years with the City of Plymouth, and 20+ years as a reporter and community editor for the Osseo Maple Grove Press, Crow River News, and Delano Eagle.

She was preceded in death by her mother Johanna Sprague, and father John Sprague. Sue is remembered by her husband of 57 years, Bill; daughter Kristin (Mike); son William Louis (Gail); grandchildren Elliot and Hunter, and numerous coworkers and friends whom she adored.

Celebration of life details will be shared with friends and family at a later date.

Memorials preferred to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.