Susan Elaine Van Steeland

Heaven gained an Angel when Susan Elaine Van Steeland passed away on Oct. 13, 2023, at the Advanced Care Hospital of Montana. Susan was 73 years old.

Susan was born in Conrad on June 16, 1950, to Emil “Billy” and Esther (Faire) Moritz. She joined older brothers Harry and Robert “Bob.” A younger sister, Judy, was born a few years later. She was raised on the family farm east of Conrad. Susan’s father passed away at a young age, when Susan was only 13 years old. Esther continued to raise the family at the farm after their father passed. Susan has a large extended family with many cousins, “double cousins,” aunts and uncles who all live in the Conrad area. They are well known for their large gatherings with great food, and fun had by all. Susan really enjoyed these gatherings throughout the years.

Susan attended school in Conrad and graduated from Conrad High School in 1968. She attended Eastern Montana College (MSUB) and studied education to become a teacher. While in college, she met Fred Van Steeland at a function for the “Spurs” and “Intercollegiate Knights,” which were both service organizations on campus. They dated for a couple of years. They were married on March 18, 1972, in Conrad. They completed their student teaching in Broadus. They both graduated from college in 1972.

Shortly after graduation, Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was eventually stationed in Germany and Susan accompanied him. They were in Germany for 18 months and, when they were there, they traveled throughout Europe and had a wonderful time visiting many European cities. When they returned home, Fred and Susan received teaching jobs at Browning Public Schools in Browning. Susan was a Business Education teacher in Browning for 32 years.

Fred and Susan made their home in East Glacier Park and Cut Bank during their teaching careers. They had three children: Janelle, Brian and Melanie. In 2008, Fred and Susan retired from teaching and moved to Billings to be close to their children and grandchildren. At this time, “Grandma Sue” began taking care of all her grandchildren. She loved taking care of them and attended all their events, including sports, dance competitions and recitals, choir concerts, and more.

Her children, grandchildren, and husband surrounded Susan during her final days. She was able to tell them “I love my family. I have the best family. I love you,” before she peacefully passed. Susan was the best Mom and Grandma, and we all will miss her dearly.

Her parents preceded Susan in death. She is survived by her husband, Fred; daughter Janelle Van Steeland; son Brian (Lisa) Van Steeland; daughter Melanie (Josh) Robbins. She is also survived by her grandchildren Tyler, Steven (Taryn), Joey Van Steeland; Addison, Tucker and Harper Robbins; as well as brothers Harry and Bob (Kaye), sister Judy, and many nieces and nephews.