Kathleen "Susie" Umentum

Kathleen “Susie” Umentum, 79, of Green Bay, was called to Heaven on March 18, 2026.

She was born on January 30, 1947, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the late Gilbert Sr. and Mary (Blake) Grieger.

Susie attended Green Bay West High School and spent most of her career in paper manufacturing, working for Diana Manufacturing, Straubel, Freeman, and Erving Paper Company. While in high school, she enjoyed working as a bellhop at Big Boy. Diana was her first “big job” out of high school — a job she also lost after playing hooky a few too many times to spend time with our father, Jim Umentum.

Her favorite role in the paper mill was serving as a crew lead. She loved motivating her team, celebrating production milestones and rewarding them with incentives for a job well done.

After Erving closed its doors, Susie chose a new path that reflected her true calling. She earned her CNA certification and joined Wyndemere Memory Care as a CNA and Activity Director. This role became one of the most meaningful in her life. Her caring and compassionate nature allowed her to form deep connections with residents and their families. So profound was her impact that the Fitzgerald family later entrusted her with the in-home care of their father until his passing - a relationship she cherished and maintained with the family.

Susie found joy in life’s simple pleasures — traveling with her beloved big sister Patricia, spending cherished time with her children and grandchildren, taking long walks, and enjoying a good Kroll’s burger followed by a matinee.

Her superpower was her generous and compassionate heart. Susie was always ready to help those in need and held a special place in her heart for veterans, underdogs, and anyone facing hardship. She quietly supported many charities without seeking recognition. Her kindness and selflessness touched countless lives and will always be remembered.

She had a deep love for animals, especially her grand-dog Riggs, who brought immense joy to her days. She was passionate about supporting animal welfare organizations and even adopted a whale, affectionately naming it Granny. "Say it like it is Susie” had a heart of gold and a witty personality that kept us laughing right up until her final days.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Susie is survived by her children, Kevin (Connie Hendricks) Umentum and Christine (Bill) Schroeder of Denmark, Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Lauren Schroeder and Grant Schroeder (special friend Olivia Ullman); her nieces and nephews, Cathy (Mitch) Monroe of Washington, Gary (Vicki) Grieger, Sherri (Brian) Boyce of Dyckesville, Wisconsin, Nick (Sheryl) Hall, Michael Hall Jr. of California and their families; sister-in-law Dyann (Brian) Nowack and family; and brother-in-law Dennis (Jennifer) Umentum and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert Sr. and Mary Grieger; her brothers, Gilbert Grieger Jr. (Shirley), and Michael Grieger; sister, Patricia Hall; in-laws, Toots and Al Umentum.

The family will hold a private ceremony at St. Mary’s in Colby, Wisconsin, the birthplace of her father and the final resting place of her parents and siblings.

In lieu of floral expressions, the family asks that donations be made in Susie’s name to the Wisconsin Humane Society or any charity dedicated to the love and care of animals.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caring and compassionate health care professionals who provided care and support to our mother over the past year: Bellin, St. Vincent’s, GB Rehab, Edenbrook, Autumn Embers, Scandinavian Court Assisted Living, and Meng Unity Hospice.