Susan Anne Cermak Trautman November 1, 1942 – March 22, 2026

Susan Anne Cermak Trautman, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, surrounded by her children, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion.

She was born on November 1, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to William and Helen (Petrak) Cermak. She grew up in Hopkins, Minnesota and graduated from Guardian Angels High School in 1960.

After high school, she moved to Crookston, Minnesota, where she attended St. Francis School of Nursing, receiving her nursing degree in 1962 and beginning her lifelong calling in nursing. As a nurse, she worked in many hospitals and clinics, finishing her career in an Alzheimer's care unit, where her compassion and gentle care truly shined.

While in Crookston, she met Richard Acker, and they were married in 1963. Together they welcomed four children into this world: Rick, Jeff, Sara, and Amy. Susan then took time away from her nursing career to raise her children and was the best mom, fully devoted to her family and their upbringing. In 1993, she married Darrell Trautman. They made their home in Fargo, North Dakota, spent winters in Arizona, and later retired in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Susan enjoyed many simple pleasures in life, including knitting, reading, watching movies, and dancing.

Susan had a deep and abiding faith and a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She was a praise and worship leader for many years and, after retiring from nursing, faithfully served in The Stephen Ministry, where she supported and mentored many others in their faith journey. She also guided and encouraged many family members and friends as they grew in their faith in Jesus. She was known as a true prayer warrior, someone her family and friends turned to for strength and prayer.

She will be remembered for her sharp mind, her quick wit, her sense of humor, her deep love of family, and her unwavering faith. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Rick (Mindi) Acker of Bismarck, ND, Jeff (Veronica Cortes) Acker of Highland, CA, Sara (Jeff Moench) Acker Moench of Hendersonville, TN, and Amy (Joe) Dusek of Rosemount, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jordan Acker, Jojo Acker, Hunter Acker, Caleb Dusek, and Brody Dusek.

She is also survived by her siblings, Peter (Mary) Cermak, Jane (Nick) Kinn, Mary Speas, Liz Blair, and Mark (Barb) Cermak, and many nieces and nephews. She had a close and lasting bond with them.

Susan treasured the many lifelong friendships she formed throughout the years from Minnesota, North Dakota, and Orchard Path, all of which held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 23 years, Darrell Trautman; her parents William and Helen (Petrak) Cermak; her sister Joan O'Connell; her brothers John Cermak and Bill Cermak; her sister-in-law Mary Cermak; and her brothers-in-law George O'Connell and Greg Blair.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, Minnesota, for their compassionate care and support during the final days of Susan's life.

Celebration of Life:

A celebration of Susan's life will be held on Monday, May 18, at Hosanna in Lakeville, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A lunch will follow.

Interment: Susan and Darrell Trautman will be laid to rest on May 18 at Lebanon Cemetery in Apple Valley, Minnesota, at 1:45 p.m.

Those wishing to honor Susan's memory may make memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause she faithfully supported.https://youtube.com/live/QgPT8_aQJ90?feature=share