Obituaries

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we share the passing of Susan Barbara Hancock on March 22, 2025, at the age of 74. She left this world peacefully at home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with her devoted husband, Gregg, by her side, holding her hand—just as they had held each other’s through a lifetime of love and shared adventures.

Susan was born on March 29, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Romeoville, where she spent her childhood surrounded by family. She carried that deep sense of family with her throughout her life, never missing an opportunity to care for, encourage, and celebrate those she loved.

In 1982, while working at Perkins, she met Gregg Hancock. Their connection was instant, and together they built a beautiful life, marrying in 1985 and embarking on a journey that led them from Illinois to New Mexico and eventually to Wisconsin. Their love was a second chance for both, and they embraced it fully—partners in life, business, and laughter.

While living in Carrizozo, New Mexico, Susan turned her love for creativity into a business, opening Mountain View Ceramics with Gregg. She poured her heart into her work, selling unfinished and completed ceramics, and sharing her artistic gifts by teaching painting classes. Her ability to see beauty in the smallest details of life extended into everything she did.

In 1997, they settled in Augusta, Wisconsin, where Susan spent nearly 20 years working at Nortech Systems. But it was never just about work for her—it was about the people. She built friendships, shared kindness, and brightened the days of those around her.

Susan was a woman of quiet strength, boundless creativity, and deep devotion. She loved crocheting Afghans, quilting, sewing, painting, and working on puzzles—but her greatest love was always her family. She found joy in the warmth of the kitchen, cooking meals that nourished both body and soul. She had an incredible way of making a house feel like home, a meal feel like a feast, and a simple moment feel like a cherished memory.

Above all, Susan’s love was steady, unwavering, and unconditional. She was a woman of deep faith, practicing her Catholic beliefs daily, and carrying a quiet but fierce strength that lifted those around her. She prayed for her family, for her friends, and for the world.

Susan leaves behind a family who adored her, including her loving husband of nearly 40 years, Gregg Hancock; her children, Kyle Champion and Keri Gribble (Champion); and her stepchildren, Greg Hancock, Geramie Hancock, and Donald (Donny) Hancock. She was a devoted grandmother to Mason and Ethan (Greg’s children); Alex and Grace (Geramie’s children); and Lowen, Brooklyn, Ashlynn, Anjewelina, Madelynn, Ava, Taylor, and Tanner (Donny’s children). She also cherished her grandchildren from Kyle, including Destin, and Keri’s children, Christian, Nicole, and Gerald.

She was welcomed into heaven by her beloved son, Kenneth Champion, as well as her parents, Josephine Lortz and Chester Hiera, and her siblings Michael, Chester, and Joseph Hiera.

She is survived by her siblings Anthony Hiera, Barbara Stefanovich, Frances Hiera, and Katherine Hiera, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom were touched by her kindness and warmth.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and share the stories that made her so deeply loved.

For those who wish to honor her legacy, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or simply take a moment to do something kind for someone in need—just as Susan would have.

Condolences may be sent to the family at EverLoved.com.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort in knowing her love lives on in the countless lives she touched. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, and a friend—but above all, she was love. And that love will never fade.

The funeral service will be Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 4:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. The visitation will be on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.