Sue Ann Locker

Sue Ann (Martwick) Locker, 78, of Devils Lake, North Dakota, passed away on October 21 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks surrounded by family.

Sue, the daughter of Alvin and Regina (Ewert) Martwick, was born on March 17, 1947, in Minot, North Dakota. She grew up on the family farm near Balfour, ND along with her sister, Marlys, and brother, Calvin. She graduated from Balfour High School in 1965 and earned a business degree at Minot State College. Her first employment was as a secretary at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, a place she dearly loved. She later worked at Ramsey County Farm Bureau.

Sue and Leo’s story began almost as soon as they did. The two grew up on neighbouring farms, and legend has it that their first “date” came when four-month-old Sue attended Leo’s fourth birthday party. They later attended Sue’s high school prom together, and on August 17, 1967, they were married. After their wedding, Sue and Leo began their life together in Velva, ND, where Leo taught English and German. During this time, they welcomed their three daughters – Kimberly, Debra, and Michal – born in quick succession, each approximately fifteen months apart. When Leo pursued a master’s degree in social work, the family moved to West Fargo, and later settled permanently in Devils Lake, where they made their home on Kelly Avenue.

Sue’s life was grounded in connection – to family, friends, and community. She was the hub of the family, the one who stayed in touch with everyone, remembered every birthday, and sent cards and handwritten letters across the miles. Although she eventually mastered WhatsApp so that she could share photos and messages with her grandson Adam, she never stopped sending things through the post.

Sue’s Catholic faith was an anchor throughout her life. She was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where she gave generously of her time and energy. Over the years, she volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Daughters, and the Women’s Care Center – to name just a few. She also shared her talents in quieter ways: playing piano at a nursing home, reading with third graders at St. Joseph’s School, working as a secretary at NoDak Mutual, and serving for many years as secretary of the Farm Bureau board.

Sue always retained her farming roots, which came alive in her garden and her kitchen. Each summer, her garden overflowed with tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, herbs, and all kinds of other vegetables – along with a beautiful array of flowers. She delighted in baking, especially when it meant spending time with Adam. Together they made bread and crescent rolls, tended the garden, and created A & G’s (Adam & Grama’s) Kitchen, which hosted Christmas tea parties and multi-course wedding anniversary meals complete with homemade menus.

Family gatherings brought her great joy – including time spent with Marlys and Rita, sharing salmon and cream cheese on bagels, playing Skip-Bo, and laughing. She cherished visits from family, including regular summer visits from Adam. She and Leo travelled to England to spend Christmas with Adam during his first four years of life. After that, she came on her own for many years just before or after Christmas, creating magical memories for Adam.

Sue will be greatly missed by Leo, her loving husband of 58 years; daughter Debra (Richard) Spencer, Cambridge, England and beloved grandson, Adam; daughter, Michal (Rick Torres), East Haven, CT; sister Marlys Martwick, Bismarck; brother Calvin, Beeville, TX and his children, Calvin, Scott, Christian, Aaron and William and their families; son-in-law Jerome Helten; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Connie (Rick) Jorgenson, Maria Locker, Howard (Marka) Locker, Brenda (Harry) Duchscherer and several nieces and nephews; and special friend Rita Landsberger.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Kimberly Helten and granddaughters, Araminta and Arabella Helten, her parents, and sisters-in-law, Connie Martwick and Sharon Wilson, and brothers-in-law, Fred Wilson and Ryan Locker.

Sue was loved by those who knew her. Her kindness and warmth touched so many lives – from her family and lifelong friends to the third graders she read with. Her life was one of quiet strength, faith, and connection. She gave so much of herself to others and never stopped showing up for the things she loved and believed in. She will be deeply missed, and her love will continue to live on in the many hearts she touched.

Visitation for Sue Ann will be on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson will officiate the Scripture Service.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. also at the church with Reverend Bernard Pfau and Reverend Peter Sharp concelebrating the Mass. Burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery followed by a time of fellowship at the Parish Center.

Memorials may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Joseph School/St. Mary’s Academy, Real Presence Radio or the charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Sue.