Susan Jo Westphal (nee Hawley) was born on January 9th, 1955, in the town of Armour, South Dakota. She was raised in Brookings, South Dakota and graduated from Brookings High School in 1973. In 1977 Sue moved to Apple Valley, Minnesota to start a family. As the children grew, she found her place at Best Buy Corporate, as an Executive Administrative Assistant. Sue viewed Best Buy as her second family and her career there was a testament to her dedicated, resourceful, and pragmatic nature. She touched the lives of many colleagues through her role at work. The partnership Best Buy has with Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) was a source of great pride. Her commitment to coordinating the annual graduation ceremony for MICC earned her the prestigious “Individual Community Champion” award from MICC in 2025.

Sue found happiness in holiday baking sessions, family trips, Sunday night family dinners, and going to her grandchildren’s activities to cheer them on. It was important to her to support her grandkids in any endeavors they chose (crafting, baking, sports, or academics).

An important mission in Sue’s life was to share her deep faith. She was involved in numerous ministries and activities in her church over the last several decades, most recently as she attended The Foundry in Lakeville, Minnesota led by Pastor Emmanuel Mantey. Her leadership in the Tres Dias Christian program, where she served as a Rector in 2018, was a cornerstone of her spiritual life as she guided others with her faith and generosity of spirit.

Sue was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her mother Delores ‘Jo’ Hawley in 1973 and later by her father Wayne Hawley in 2004.

She is survived by her cherished children: Desiree Westphal, Joe (Katie) Westphal, and Holly (Luke) Schneider. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Jaylee, Brooklyn, and Skyler Westphal, Christian Graske; Laurin (Mike) Otten, Jarrod (Caitlyn) Schneider, Hannah (Theran) Wanta, Zachary Schneider, and Sommer Schneider, as well as her great-grandchildren, Freya and Estella Kirmse. She is further survived by her siblings: Spencer (Barb) Hawley, Annie (Terry) Borns of South Dakota, and Greg (Jackie) Hawley, along with numerous nieces and nephews, who also hold her memory dear.

Sue had many exceptional relationships in her life; friends, co-workers, neighbors, and especially her family, cousins, aunts and uncles—all significant in her love of them and their love of Sue. The memories of all the summers spent ‘at the lake’ and the many Hawley Reunions with her extended family were always special to her.

Sue had strong relationships with her pets over the years. Formerly Corky (dog); Punky (cat), and her current and cherished cat Gustopher “Gus.”

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to MICC or The Foundry church, organizations that reflect Sue’s enduring commitment to faith and community.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the medical and nursing staff at Mayo, who became her family away from home and with whom she forged wonderful friendships over her 2+ year battle with Leukemia.

Sue was a woman of sharp wit and directness, known for her faithfulness and loyal nature. Exemplifying these values with integrity and resilience, she carried these qualities throughout her life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Sue’s story is one of love and faith—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held this Friday Sept 18, 2026 at 10am at Bethel Rock Church (6300 212th St W, Farmington, MN 55024). There will be an opportunity to greet the family prior to the service and a lunch to follow the service.