Visitation: Visitation will be Monday, February 5 from 12-5pm, family present from 1-5pm, at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.
Suzanne Louise Zahn Beard was born on March 7, 1946 in San Francisco, California. Suz was the second oldest child to Joseph Anton Zahn and Alta Belle (Pulse) Zahn. Suz died February 1, 2018 at Sanford Canton Inwood Hospital after a nearly four-year fierce and brave battle with pancreatic cancer.
Suz graduated from Redfield High School in 1964. She attended Stewart’s School of Hairstyling in Aberdeen and graduated in 1965. Suz worked in a beauty shop for Evelyn Chambers in Redfield, SD for many years. Suz enjoyed working at Drake’s Greenhouse in Academy, SD and prior to retirement, she was a cook at Dairy Queen in Canton, SD.
Suzanne married her best friend’s brother, Loren Harvey Beard on May 11, 1974, in Redfield, SD. They raised two daughters Alta Shaleen (Beard) Allen and Brodie Lee (Beard) Sorlie. Suz’s husband, Loren, worked for SD Game, Fish and Parks which allowed the family to live in many towns in South Dakota and amass an army of close friends.
One of Suzanne’s favorite homes was in Platte, South Dakota where she and her family lived in the park residence of Snake Creek Recreation Area. Suz was able to fish nearly every day. Fishing either alone or with family brought her great joy. Suzanne also enjoyed her flower gardens and watching hummingbirds.
Suzanne’s family was her whole world. Weekends were spent with brother, sisters, or cousins where card games determined who cooked breakfast, eclectic music set the tone and with a houseful of wild children, adult beverages were a must.
When she earned her title as Granny, she took her role seriously. She preferred the sight of baby handprint smudges to clean mirrors and windows. She rocked each baby with a special lullaby. There were always treats, favorite meals and rewards for good grades.
Suzanne is survived by her husband Loren; her daughters: Shaleen Allen of Alcester and Brodie (Jon) Sorlie of Hudson; her four grandchildren: Cheyenne Sorlie, Corbin Sorlie, Brinlee Allen and Declan Allen; her sisters: Brigitta (Dale) Diede of Mission Hill, SD and Jane (Cliff) Jensen of Lockport, NY; and her nieces and nephews: Tami (Diede) Johnson, Nick (Steph) Diede, Gentry (Tiffany) Jensen, Dru (Charlene) Jensen, and Shzahni Jensen. Suzanne is preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and her brothers: Joey (infant, 1952) and Bill (2015).
Suzanne also shared her life with a plethora of pets and shed many tears for every one that crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She leaves behind her dogs, Abby and Boomer and her cats, Hannah and Magee.
Visitation will be Monday, February 5 from 12-5pm, family present from 1-5pm, at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.
Loren Brodie & Shaleen,
This obituary is such a lovely tribute to a lovely lady who knew how to love. So sorry for your huge loss. May God’s comfort communicate to you are never alone in your grief. I want to humbly be one of God’s helpers/servant. I like to talk and laugh with a cup of coffee in my hand and would like to offer that or maybe a group cry would feel better. Love to all! Brenda
Loren, Shaleen, Brodie and families. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so thankful I was able to say good bye to a wonderful, beautiful soul. Please know that I am thinking of you and if you need anything at all to please let me know. Hugs and love. Amy
To the Beard Family, My prayers are with you in this time of grieving. God’s grace to your family.
Loren
We were sorry to read about your wife’s death in the Argus Leader today.
You have our sympathy.
Jerry & Marilynn Sour
Loren and family;
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Remember all the good times and treasure the memories.
I worked with Loren at SF Parks and Recreation. I am not able to attend the visitation today, but want to say how sorry I am for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. May your loving memories help you through this time.
Brodie
Sorry to read about your mom
You and your family have my sympathy
So sorry for your loss. . She will be missed.
so sorry for your loss