Sue Ellen Hoes passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the age of 61. She was born on December 28, 1962, in Iron Mountain, MI, to Mary Ann Uren and Melvin Hoes. In 1972, her family moved to Manitowoc, where she graduated from Lincoln High School. Throughout her life, Sue held several demanding factory jobs, but her true passion was bartending, a career she ultimately pursued. While working, she also earned a degree from Lakeshore Technical College. Sue was a well-known and beloved bartender in the area, most recently serving at Westfield Bar.

Sue loved kayaking, playing frisbee golf, and fishing. An enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan, she often coordinated her outfits and hairstyles for game day. A lover of adventure, she sought out the tallest rides at theme parks across Wisconsin and the United States but found her greatest joy planning her retirement at the family home up north in Florence. Her free spirit shone through at music concerts and on the dance floor, whether with friends or on her own. Sue was a friendly and accepting person who embraced everyone as they were. Always ready to lend an ear and offer advice, she was a constant support to her family and friends, and even to those she had just met.

Devoted to her family, she was a loving daughter, a dedicated partner, and the coolest sister anyone could ask for. She always encouraged her son Jay to follow his dreams and was the glue that held her family together. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who loved her.

Sue is survived by her mother, Mary Ann Uren; father, Melvin Hoes; loving partner, Tom Berrens; son, Jay (Joanna Metz) Aschenbrenner; brothers, Ed Hoes and Al (Kay Loveless) Hoes; nieces, Crystal Maratik and Heidi (Tim) Wichmann; nephew, Eric (Alicia Day) Hoes; Tom's daughters, Brittany (Steve) Markgren and Brooke Berrens; and her beloved grand-dog, Eva. She will also be missed by many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by Jay's father, James Aschenbrenner; stepfather, Tom Uren; stepmother, Karen Hoes; paternal grandparents, Leo and Anna Hoes; and maternal grandparents, Ed and Florence Gabrielson.

Sue's selfless choice to be a donor means her legacy of compassion will live on, offering hope and a second chance at life to others. Her generosity will continue to inspire and impact families in profound ways, ensuring that her spirit of kindness and giving will be remembered and celebrated forever.

The family invites everyone who knew Sue to celebrate her life at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St., Manitowoc, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sue's name can be made to the Lakeshore Humane Society in Manitowoc.