Susan J. Sagan

Her royal highness, Susan Judith Marie Robinson Wiczek Sagan, 78, of Winona, Minn. and Fountain City, Wis., left her earthly body Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Her family was honored to be at her side as she transitioned to her next journey. 

Known by many as “the Queen,” Susan was born June 16, 1946, in Winona, Minn. to Albert Robinson and Edna Robinson Kaehler. Growing up, she attended Cathedral School and Cotter High School. She married her first husband, Jerry Wiczek, in 1962 and together, they had three children before divorcing. Susan later married her life partner, Neil Sagan, and they moved to Fountain City, Wis., where she continued to live for 30 years. Susan and Neil had four children together and remained close even after their divorce. 

Susan spent her career as a caregiver of people with developmental disabilities at Home and Community Options. She was a fierce advocate for women overcoming domestic violence and sexual assault and was a committed volunteer at the Women’s Resource Center in her younger years. 

She was a true master of the colorful word, never met a clearance rack she didn’t like, loved teaching herself how to DIY projects like re-roping old windows, and enjoyed growing flowers and gardening on her beloved farm. She was well-known around town for driving her royal ride – a decorated Cadillac – in full regalia, complete with crown and a fur-lined, red velvet cape. 

Encouraging her sons’ passion for metal music, Susan often sent care packages to musicians they knew who were touring in the area, and attended the occasional concert when her son, Adam, played. She had a special bond and deep connection with her grandchildren and great-grandchild, and eagerly attended many family births to welcome new loved ones into the world. 

She fought for the underdog throughout her life, and her door and home were always open to anyone in need. Her kindness, guidance, and natural way of mentoring youths as they transitioned into adulthood left a lifelong imprint on those who knew her. 

Susan leaves behind her royal subjects; daughters, Lucinda Wiczek (Ben Hadley) of Winona, Minn., Angela McGuire of Winona, Minn., and Rachel Aldrich (Pete) of Littleton, Colo.; sons, Nathan Sagan (Ashley Sundeen) of Saint Paul, Minn. and Jordan Sagan of Winona, Minn.; grandchildren, Ashly Bissen (Pete), Delaney Hallock, Landon McGuire, Makenna and Maysen Aldrich; and great-grandson, Tate Bissen. She is also survived by sisters, Catherine Sieracki and Jo (Tom) Lee; brother, Carlton Robinson; partner-in-crime and former husband, Neil Sagan, as well as many special nieces, nephews, and friends. Loved ones that have gone before her include her parents, Albert and Edna; sons, Tony Wiczek and Adam Sagan; grandchildren, Maridian Lariah Katherine McGuire and Myles Aldrich; sisters, Lucinda Hilke and Susie Kaehler; brothers, Paul and David Robinson, and Fred Kaehler. 

In accordance with Susan’s wishes, a celebration and memorial tribute will be held in honor of her life at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, at Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home at 376 E. Sarnia in Winona. Burial will follow the luncheon after the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Winona. 

The family is assembling a memorial in alignment with Susan’s wishes, to which expressions of sympathy can be directed. Donations in her memory can also be made to Home and Community Options. 

“Her reign has ended; all hail the queen!”