Susan Kalinoski Obituary

Susan "Sue, Susie" Kalinoski

Aug 28, 1948 - Nov 16, 2023

Catawba Island

It is with profound sadness that the family of Susan "Sue, Susie" Kalinoski (French), 75, of Catawba Island, announces her passing Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.

Sue was born Aug. 28, 1948, in Port Clinton, the daughter of Herbert "Richard" and Irene L. French (LaCumsky). She was a 1966 graduate of Lakeside High School, Lakeside-Marblehead, and married her high school sweetheart, Jim Kalinoski, on April 6, 1968. Sue retired from the City of Sandusky legal department in the 1990s. She was a part of The Standard Products Company Engineering Department, as well as a secretary for State Farm Insurance agencies.

Sue loved the active lifestyle she and Jim shared including attending street rod events in various states and cities, spending time in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, visiting Mickey at Walt Disney World, enjoying winter months in Panama City Beach, Florida, and whiling away the hours at the family pool in "God's Country" on Catawba. She was extremely proud of her children and relished the close-knit family gatherings that frequently took place. The role that Sue enjoyed the most was as grandma. She made sure to attend every single extra-curricular event of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether it was sitting at blazing hot weekend soccer matches, enduring freezing cold Friday/Saturday/Sunday Night Lights, or relishing the indoor music, art, gymnastics, and cheer events, Sue was there. She even made sure to utilize social media in order to check on the events she couldn't physically attend. One could always be sure to hear "Post that on Facebook so my friends can see!" The grandkids always knew how to spot her in a crowd by listening for the sound of her cowbell or notorious "woop woop" and to expect a "wrap up" phone call after each event. Although she could rarely be bothered to be on time, if she wasn't with family, Sue could be found with her friends trekking to music events near and far. She was never afraid to travel and always relished new adventures. Words cannot express how much we will miss her sassiness, thoughtfulness, and welcoming demeanor towards everyone she encountered.

Sue is survived by her brother, Lee French; sons, Michael J. (Charlotte) Kalinoski of Marblehead and Jason R. (Laura) Kalinoski of Tallahassee, Florida; daughter, Melissa S. (Curt) Hanson of Catawba Island; grandchildren, Zachary (Stephanie), Lauren (Tate), Andrew, Jonah, and Caden; and great-grandchildren, Isabel, Madalynn, and two new arrivals expected for 2024.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James; father, Herbert "Richard' French; mother and stepfather, Irene and William Lattimore; in-laws, Edward and Irene Kalinoski (Waggoner); and grandparents.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, until the time of Sue's funeral at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 541 Church Rd., Lakeside-Marblehead. Burial will follow at Catawba Island Cemetery, 4997 E Cemetery Road, Port Clinton. After burial, the family has arranged to celebrate Sue at Gideon Owen Wine Company, 3845 E. Wine Cellar Road, Port Clinton. The family requests everyone to attend in bright, vibrant "summer" colors.

We are forever grateful to everyone for the amazing support over the last year and, in honor of Sue's love for music, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Gypsum Crossing Bluegrass in Sue's name. Sue loved attending the events held at Gypsum and appreciated that the Bluegrass family embraced her following Jim's death in 2015. Mailed contributions can be sent to Gypsum Crossing Bluegrass, Liz Smith, 5003 Venice Road, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870. "Music is the universal language of mankind."– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.