Suzanne Z Kerkhoven

Suzanne ( Sue ) Zora Kerkhoven ( née Feeney ) of Beecher, IL passed away peacefully on June 24th, 2026. She was 92 years old.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Gail Feeney and sister Joann DiIulio. She is survived by her children, Elaine ( Dirk ), Pete ( Anita ), Gayle ( David ), Jim ( Lisa ), Bart ( Lesley ) and Todd (Julie ). Cherished grandmother to 11 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren.

Born in Davenport, Iowa on April 8th  1934, Sue was an outgoing child and made many friends. She and her sister, ( Joann ) also helped out in the family grocery business ( Feeney's Fine Foods ).

She attended an all girls Catholic HS where she sang in the choir and enjoyed acting in plays. After graduation she entered nurses training in Rochester, MN and graduated from St Mary's School of Nursing returning to work as a nurse in a private practice.

Not long after, Sue was introduced to Bob Kerkhoven by mutual friends. They were engaged on Valentine's Day of 1956 and married on August 8th of that year.

Sue and Bob began their married life in Harvey, IL where she briefly worked at Ingalls Memorial Hospital before becoming pregnant and starting a family.

Bob and Sue built a home in Homewood, IL and the couple raised their 6 children there. They were divorced in 1982.

Sue picked up her nursing career and worked at Olympia Fields Osteopathic Hospital as a psyche nurse facilitating group sessions until the unit closed and continued as a home health nurse for several years before retiring. Along the way she earned her master's in nursing from the College of St Francis in Joliet  IL and made many dear friends.

Sue's family was paramount. Family celebrations large and small were her joy. She loved the holidays  and any gatherings that brought them all together. She will be remembered for her love and genuine warmth by all who knew her.

A Catholic Mass will be held at St. John Neuman Parish ( Formerly St Joseph's ),  in Homewood  IL on July 13th at 11:00 am. Visitation at the church at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save the Children to foster literacy to underserved communities. For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.