Valerie “Sue” Henthorn (Wakershauser)
Valerie “Sue” Henthorn (Wakershauser)
Valerie “Sue” Henthorn 66, of Black River Falls, passed away June 25, 2026. She was born Oct. 17, 1959, to Dean and Beverly (Johnson) Wakershauser in Black River Falls, WI.
Sue found her greatest happiness in the people she loved, the adventures life brought her and the simple joys that filled each day. She treasured time with her children and grandchildren, adored her beloved dogs, whose silly antics never failed to make her laugh, and never lost her love for horses. She believed some of life’s sweetest moments were often the smallest ones.
Sue had an adventurous spirit and embraced life with curiosity and determination. She worked hard throughout her life, taking great pride in every job she held and believing that giving your best was something to be proud of. Whether she was creating something beautiful with her hands, researching her family’s history, organizing treasured photographs or simply spending hours sorting baseball cards beside her son, Sue poured her heart into everything she did.
Sue’s faith was the foundation of her life. As a devoted Christian, she found comfort in God’s promises and lived with the hope of eternal life. Her family finds peace in knowing she has been welcomed into Heaven and reunited with those she loved who went before her.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Karl; her precious son, Bobbie Jo Kutchera; her mother, Beverly Wakershauser; her maternal and paternal grandparents; her Aunt Betty; and her Uncle Tom.
Sue is lovingly remembered by her children: Greg Gerzsik, Lisa Morgan, whom she entrusted to another family through adoption, Jessica (Ronald) Weiss, Courtney (Craig), Zachary (Jenny) Jacobson and Zebulluss Jacobson. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Araya, Wyatt, Sampson, Aaron, Matthew, Caleb, Piper, Cheska and Kay.
She is further survived by her father, Dean Wakershauser; her siblings, Robert (Karen) Wakershauser, Peggie (Joel) Busse and James (Lori) Wakershauser; her aunt, Bonnie; her uncle, Victor; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all those whose lives were brighter because they knew her. She is also survived by her faithful companions, Ralphy and Buster, whose unconditional love brought her comfort and joy.
Though our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in knowing that Sue’s faith has become sight. We imagine her reunited with Karl, Bob, her mother and so many loved ones, greeted with open arms and surrounded by perfect peace.
Her hands may be still, but the beauty she created, the memories she preserved, the laughter she shared and the love she poured so freely into her family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Services to be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Spirit Creek Lutheran Church in Black River Falls. Friends and family are asked to join at 3:30 p.m. for visitation and 5 p.m. for the funeral. All are welcome to stay for food and refreshments immediately following the service.
Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.