Linda Sue (Suzie) Vestel-Frioli

Linda Sue (Suzie) Vestel-Frioli, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully at her home on June 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 8, 1946, in Our Saviour's Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois, Suzie graced the world with her brilliance, humor, and boundless warmth for nearly 80 years. Suzie was the beloved daughter of the late Nyle Vestel and Ruth Ada Conley-Vestel. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Bernard, and her devoted husband Gary, with whom she shared 49 beautiful years of marriage. Her legacy of love and laughter continues through her children, Trista (Paul) Thronson and David (Dawn) Frioli of Sioux Falls, SD. Her sister, Jill Wilson, and her treasured grandchildren, Parker (Jordan) Brown, Phoebe Brown, and Lucy Frioli, also survive her, each carrying forward the indelible mark of her influence. A proud graduate of Staunton High School in 1967, Suzie went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1971. Her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds found its home in the third-grade classroom at White Hall Elementary, where she taught and inspired for twenty years. Her students, much like her family and friends, were touched by her wit and warmth, traits that made learning an adventure and every classroom a safe haven. In 1992, Suzie moved to Sioux Falls, embracing her new community with the same zeal and generosity she exhibited throughout her life. She was a dynamic force in founding and participating in numerous groups including the Democratic Forum, Common Grounds, the Honey Badger book club, and the Yoga Fairy Godmothers, among others. Each group was a testament to her innate ability to bring people together, to foster connections, and to create lasting bonds. Suzie's life was a tapestry of vibrant stories and cherished relationships. Known for her contagious laugh and an ever-present hand extended in friendship, she was the instigator, the glue, and the spark that held many together. Her brilliance shone through her humor and bravery, qualities that endeared her to all who had the fortune of knowing her. As we remember Suzie, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, joy, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. Her memory will continue to inspire laughter, love, and a sense of bold togetherness in all of us. A memorial service will be held to honor Suzie's remarkable life, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Suzie's memory to a charity of your choice, spreading kindness and fostering community, just as she did every day of her life. Rest in peace, dear Suzie. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will remain a guiding light in our hearts forever.