Susan Jean Burns

Susan Jean (Ives) Burns, age 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born in Helena, Montana, on December 1, 1940. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee B. Ives and Jane G.B. (Poole) Ives, and her brother-in-law, James Ball.

 She is survived by her fiancé, Donald (Skip) Helseth; sons Michael Jacobson (Kelly) of Eagle, Wisconsin, and Richard Jacobson (Rachel) of Stillwater, Minnesota; daughter Amy Johnson of New Richmond, Wisconsin; brother Lee Ives of Mundelein, Illinois; sisters Sallie Pritchard (William) of Sun City, Arizona, and Florence Ball of Arizona; three grandsons, Matthew Jacobson (Lindsey) of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Alex Jacobson (Molly) of Mankato, Minnesota, and Eric Johnson of New Richmond, Wisconsin; three granddaughters, Taylor Johnson of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Jordan Johnson of Somerset, Wisconsin, and Michaela Carlson of North Hudson, Wisconsin; and six great-grandchildren: Kolie, Lance, Madisyn, Aiden, Aria, and Noah. 

Susan was formerly married to Allan Theodore "Ted" Jacobson, with whom she raised Michael, Richard, and Amy.

Susan earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from Badger Green Bay Business College while working her way through school. During that time, she served as the assistant to the manager of the Reproduction Department at Green Bay City Hall and later worked in various clerical and administrative roles at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base near Marquette, Michigan.

She started her career with Western Life Insurance Company in 1973 and faithfully served the company through its various transitions and name changes, ultimately retiring from Fortis after a long and successful career. 

Everyone who knew Susan was touched by her kindness, warmth, and beautiful spirit. She found joy in life's simple pleasures and had a gift for making others feel loved and welcome. She loved photography. For years, our family teased her about her knack for accidentally cutting off someone's head in nearly every picture she took. Then, after taking a few photography classes, she seemed to become a photographer overnight, capturing stunning images that reflected her eye for beauty and her love of family, nature, and life's special moments.

Susan enjoyed traveling, especially her winter trips to Arizona, and she never tired of exploring the countryside. From her earliest years through adulthood, she loved taking long walks, particularly along the scenic St. Croix River. She had a passion for gardening, and both her yard and home reflected her love of beauty, filled with flowers, plants, and thoughtful touches that made every space feel warm and inviting. Family often joked that her house looked like a page out of Better Homes and Gardens, and anyone who visited knew exactly why. 

The holidays, especially Christmas, were Susan's specialty. She never believed in doing anything halfway. There were always extra decorations, extra food, and extra gifts—everything that made the season magical for her family. Even overnight guests were treated to little chocolates left on their pillows, just one of the many ways she showed her love. She delighted in preparing special meals and snacks for family and friends, and nothing made her happier than having loved ones gathered around her table. 

Susan had a smile that could light up a room, a laugh that remained infectious even when her children were teasing her, and a way of making every visit feel special. We will forever remember her grace, her generosity, her sense of fun, and the unconditional love she gave so freely to everyone around her. 

The world feels a little less bright without her in it. The love she gave, the traditions she created, and the countless memories she leaves behind will remain with us always. We will miss her more than words can ever express, and we will carry her in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

 A special thank you is extended to her fiancé, Donald (Skip) Helseth, and her daughter, Amy Johnson, whose extraordinary love, patience, and dedication made it possible for Susan to spend her final years and pass peacefully in the home she loved.

 In accordance with Susan's wishes, no funeral or celebration of life will be held. She asked those who loved her spend time with their own loved ones and cherish the moments they share, because life is shorter than we realize. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Alzheimer's research in hopes of one day finding a cure for this devastating disease.