Susan Pixler, 49, longtime Minot resident, died on Monday, March 29, 2010 in a Bismarck hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Susan was born January 14, 1961, in Seattle, Washington to Gayle and Eileen (Herman) Pixler. She moved with her family to California at the age of 8 and to Colorado at age 10 where she was raised and educated at Las Animas High School.

Susan moved to North Dakota in 1984, returning to Colorado briefly before settling in Minot in the early 1990's. She lived in Minot until October 2009, when she moved to Bismarck while battling cancer at the time of her death.

Susan worked numerous jobs including housekeeping at Trinity Hospital, Goodwill Store and volunteering at the Salvation Army where she met many friends and formed lasting relationships.

Susan's love of cooking started at an early age. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends, especially for her children and grandson. She gained most of her ideas by watching the Food Network Channel with her grandson, who was one of the biggest joys in her life. Most important, Susan was a very loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend.

Surviving family includes: children, Crystal (Mike Kadrmas) Pixler, Lincoln, ND, Jessica Pixler, Bismarck, ND, Michael Pixler, Minot, ND and Mathew Pixler, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Nicholas Pixler, Jaden, Hali and Kyler Kadrmas; mother, Eileen Pixler, Bismarck, ND; brother, Dalton Pixler, Las Vegas, NV; sister, Pam Pixler, Bismarck, ND; honorary sister, Cheryl (David) Black; half-sister, Debbie Pixler; nieces, Misty (Matt) Smaardyk and Wilma Pixler; nephews, Shane (April) Pixler and Kenneth Pixler.

Susan was preceded in death by her father, Gayle Pixler, life partner, Mike Arrona, maternal grandparents, Bill and Martha Herman and paternal grandparents, Elva Bowen and Ira Pixler.

Susan's family would like to thank those who have offered prayers and guidance during this difficult time with special thanks to the Bismarck Care Center, St. Alexius Hospital, Missouri Slope Nursing Home, First Baptist Church of Minot, Century Baptist Church of Bismarck and Thomas Family Funeral Home of Minot. Susan will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who shared in her life.

Funeral service: Friday, April 2, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, April 1, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred.