Susan Rebecca Voltz Vadnal, aged 71, died at her residence in O'Fallon, IL on October 29, 2023 after a brief, aggressive illness.

Susan was born at her family residence on Iron Bridge Road in the rolling countryside of Winfield Township, Butler County, PA. She was the 13th child of 15 children born to the late Leo James Voltz and Jane Boyle Voltz. Susan was the 7th daughter of the 7th son of the 7th son. In European and American folklore, people born with this extremely rare birth order are especially lucky and gifted.

Susan was reared in Butler County and graduated from Knoch High School, Saxonburg, PA with academic honors in the Class of 1971. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Butler County Community College (BC3) in 1973 with an Associates of Arts Degree in Humanities. Among her honors earned at BC3, she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. In 1975, Susan earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education and Spanish from Slippery Rock State College, now Slippery Rock University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into Sigma Delta Pi Spanish National Honor Society and Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society.

Susan was a dynamic individual. Over the span of her teaching career, she instructed high school students in Spanish, French, German, English, Creative Writing, Literature, Communications, Social Studies, and History. When not in the classroom, Susan worked to advocate for education and for youth programs in her community. She used her talents as a gifted writer and orator to direct many youth enrichment programs at the public library, at church, at public and private schools, and through public office. As an entrepreneur, Susan combined her artistic gifts with her talent as an excellent cook and baker to create Designs to Remember. Her business specialized not only in wedding and special occasion cakes and desserts but also silk flower arrangements, bouquets, and corsages. Above all, Susan was an excellent mother. She was a pillar of strength and a source of sound guidance and unconditional love for her family.

Susan is survived by her three children:  Derek Vadnal, DMD (Jamie Stueve-Vadnal, DVM) of O'Fallon, IL; Melanie Vadnal-Stewart, DMD (Chad Stewart, DMD) of O'Fallon, IL; and Gregor Vadnal, MHRM (Lori Sutphin Vadnal, CPA) of Troy, IL. She also leaves behind her loving grandchildren: Brice Stewart, Shane Stewart, Garrett Stewart, Anastasia Vadnal, Ian Vadnal, Asher Vadnal, Mark Stewart, and Rhett Vadnal all at home. Also surviving are siblings: James Voltz (Barbara, deceased), Ramon Voltz (Carolyn), Joanne Voltz Thiele (Robert, deceased), Nancy Voltz Henkin (David, deceased), Margaret Voltz Hanna (Ronald), John Voltz (Judy), Randolph Voltz (Gailmae), Jacqueline Voltz Booher (William), Carl Voltz (Lucinda), and Cynthia Voltz Miller.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings:  Leo Voltz, Jane Voltz, Pamela Voltz Murdock (John, deceased), and Diana Voltz Geibel (Ronald, deceased).

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 304 South Street, Collinsville, IL.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Holy Cross Lutheran Church with Rev. Kyle Wright, II and Rev. Dale Skeesick officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery, Collinsville, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.