Susan Zwiener, 73, Blooming Prairie
Susan “Grama Suzie” Kay Zwiener, age 73, of Blooming Prairie, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Susan Kay Klemmensen was born June 20, 1953, in Owatonna, to Richard “Dick” and Elaine (Jacobson) Klemmensen. Sue graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1971 and was proud to be a lifelong Awesome Blossom.
On June 3, 1972, Sue married Jeff Zwiener, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, friends, and community. Sue worked side-by-side with Jeff for many years on the family farm while raising their four children, Kari, Denny, Lisa, and Sami.
In April 1984, Sue began what would become a 42-year career with New York Life. Throughout her successful career, she received numerous recognitions, consistently earning President’s Council, one of New York Life’s highest honors. But even more important to Sue than any award or recognition were the relationships she built along the way. She had a passion for helping her clients and genuinely cared for them and their families, with many becoming lifelong friends. Sue truly believed that if you are doing something you love, it isn’t really work. She lived that belief, continuing to care for her clients through the final days of her life, making sure they would be well cared for in the future.
In 1991, Sue and Jeff began another business venture when they opened B to Z Hardware along with Sue’s longtime office manager and family friend, Barney Betlach, thus the name B to Z Hardware (Betlach to Zwiener).
Sue’s love for her community ran deep, and she took great pride in being an active supporter and promoter of all things Blooming Prairie. In fact, it would be hard to find a local organization that she didn’t support in one way or another. Some of the organizations she was most active in included the Blooming Prairie Education Foundation, where she started the Foundation’s annual auction to help support Blooming Prairie Schools and also served as a longtime board member and president; and the Blossoming Community Foundation, where she was a co-founder and served in officer roles as well. She was also involved with Steele County 4-H, including as a leader of the Merry Lane 4-H Club, BP FFA, BP Country Club and BP Jaycee Women, just to name a few. Her commitment to Blooming Prairie was recognized in 2022 when she received the BPEF Alumni Distinctive Service Award, but making her community a better place was always the biggest reward for Sue.
Jeff and Sue always led their family in living a faith-filled life. Sue was an active member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church, where she served in a number of roles over the years, including as a Eucharistic minister, Finance Committee member, CCD teacher and women’s unit chair. She was also an active participant at First Lutheran Church, attending regularly alongside Jeff and their children and grandchildren.
But of all the things she gave her time to and all the things she accomplished, there was never any question about what mattered most to Sue. When Sue was recently asked what her greatest treasure was, she answered without hesitation: “My family.” And anyone who knew her knew that was true.
Her favorite hobby was lovingly supporting her kids and grandkids, and she was very good at it! Her steady presence in the stands became a familiar sight as she cheered on not only her own family, but countless other Awesome Blossoms she grew to love over the years. Somewhere along the way, “Grama Suzie” became much more than the name her own grandchildren called her. Blossom families, friends, teammates and even opponents came to know her as Grama Suzie too. In fact, on the rare occasion she missed a game or event, people were quick to ask, “Where is Grama Suzie?”
Above all, Sue’s greatest pride and joy was the closeness of the family she and Jeff built together. All 12 of their grandchildren grew up within three miles of Grampa and Grama’s house, and Sue treasured having her family so close and being such a big part of their everyday lives. Beginning in the early 1990s, she faithfully prepared Sunday night supper for the entire family almost every week, always welcoming any friends who wanted to join them around the table. Those Sunday nights became a family tradition that continued for more than three decades.
Sue also treasured the many friendships she made throughout her life. She collected people everywhere she went, and her circle was wide. Once you were part of it, you knew she cared about you deeply!
Sue leaves behind a community she helped strengthen, countless people whose lives she touched, and most importantly, the family she loved more than anything. Because of the love and dedication she gave so freely, Sue’s legacy and impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
Sue is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jeff; children, Kari (Chad) Forystek, Denny (Terri) Zwiener, Lisa (John) Bruns and Sami (Nick) Nelson; 12 grandchildren, Taylor, Kylie (Colin), Maren, Maggie, Bobbie, Ty, Bo, Jack, Neila, Jeffrey, Emmerson and Raegan; great-granddaughter, Amara; brothers, Rick (Chris) Klemmensen and Randy (Linda) Klemmensen; in-laws, Pam Hameister and Jim (Kathy) Zwiener; “work husband,” Barney Betlach; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Elaine Klemmensen; parents-in-law, Neil and Elaine Zwiener; and brother-in-law, Don Hameister.
A funeral service for Sue will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, at First Lutheran Church, with a Rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from
9:30-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Interment will be at Blooming Prairie City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Blossoming Community Foundation, BP Education Foundation or BP Cancer Group.
Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.