Sue’s husband, Randy Furman, called her “My Beautiful Girl.” Her three siblings, Jerry Caple, Ron Caple and Nancy Borson, all 10-15 years older than Sue, called her “Our Baby Sister.” Wendy Hayter, Sue’s same-age neighbor, called Sue her “Neighbor-Sister.” Regardless, our dear little baby bird flew away the morning of March 1, 2015, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Among her extended family of seven nieces and three nephews, her step-family, and friends from around the world, enough tears have been shed to fill the Rainy River.
Sue was born in International Falls, Minn., on March 30, 1949, to Rudolph and Myrtle Caple.
Sue was an afterthought baby, and she quickly became one of the most wonderful things that happened to the Caple family. Her older siblings taught her how to bring her little piggy to market, and they watched her grow into a marketing dynamo in the years to come.
Sue and Randy were both graduates of Falls High School in 1967. They were married in Dunedin, New Zealand, in 2007.
Sue remained on amiable terms with her first husband, Ron Callahan, and the entire Jim and Pat Callahan family of Duluth, Minn., throughout her life changes.
Sue was cheerful, witty, energetic, charismatic, and beautiful. She flashed a smile that could stun the gods.
With most of her family embedded in the far north, she loved to remind us how gorgeous her California climate was. When our winter clothing started to come out, she’d say, “What’s a parka?” She never did figure out what a roof-rake was for. When invited to go dog sledding in Alaska, she asked, “Can I wear high heels?”
Sue developed a passion to teach in a business capacity over the course of many years. After acquiring her bachelor of arts at the University of Minnesota in Duluth and her masters of business administration in marketing at Loyola University in Chicago, Ill., she was employed for many years in high-profile positions in the business world.
Throughout these years she would always say that she had to become a teacher one day because of all that she had learned beyond what books could teach.
She had met the real world, she watched businesses rise and fall, she mingled with business associates all over the world, and she recognized the value of sharing those experiences with students.
She also realized the importance of staying up-to-date with the progress in her field, so she acquired a doctor of philosophy in marketing at the University of Otego, New Zealand, in 2010. By then she had developed a powerful package to bring to students. And that she did. She was determined to reach beyond the necessary class materials to teach the life skills that students would need to succeed in the business world.
Her teaching years included classes at California State University and Fullerton, until she became an associate professor of marketing at the University of LaVerne. She also taught summer sessions at UMD in 2003-04.
It was no surprise that she was awarded the Dr. Ahmed Isphani Award for Excellence in Teaching in October 2013 at the University of LaVerne.
Or that her office at LaVerne will remain a shrine in her memory until the fall of 2015. A highly-attended and moving Celebration of Life ceremony for Sue was held by LaVerne on March 11.
Along with her passion to teach, Sue developed a passion to encourage students to engage in international pursuits. She knew that people all over the world share hopes and dreams and fears that transcend the differences in cultures, religions, and national leadership styles. She knew that peace on earth will come when its peoples learn to work together and share their tables. Unfortunately, she died before she could finish all that she had hoped to encourage.
It has now become our hope and dream that Sue's passion to encourage international connections can be continued for many years to come, in her name, via a LaVerne scholarship for that purpose. The scholarship will be defined beyond a simple contribution to tuition for a needy student to encompass those students that share her mission to make the world a little better, day by day.
Gifts in memory of Sue can be made to the Sue Caple Memorial Fund in one of three ways. A phone call to LaVerne at 909-448-4682; visiting www.laverne.edu/giving, clicking the “Give Now” button and indicating in memory of Sue Caple; or by mail to: University of La Verne, Office of University Management, 1950 Third St., Sue Caple Memorial Fund, La Verne, CA 91750.
The Caple family cannot thank Randy Furman enough for all the loving care he gave to Sue throughout her battle with a rare carcinoid tumor disease; a disease that was very difficult to manage.
Their love for each other ran deep, and they danced together to the beat of life in every way that they possibly could. They shared a love of nature and concerns for the care of our planet, and together trained to become docents (tour guides) for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy near Irving, Calif. Randy will continue to volunteer in this capacity.
A second Celebration of Life service is planned for July 2 at Sue’s summer cabin at Crow Lake in Nestor Falls, Ontario. All of those who were fortunate enough to know this remarkable girl are welcome there.
How we loved her; and how she loved us back.
Former International Falls, Minn., resident, Helene Chisholm, died Friday, March 13, 2015, in Wayzata, Minn.
At the time of her death, Helene was living in Plymouth, Minn. Prior to living in Plymouth, Helene was a long time resident of International Falls. She considered International Falls to be her home.
Helene was born in Bayard, Neb., on Nov. 7, 1919, to Felep and Amelia Schmitt.
When Helene was young, Helene’s family moved to Sidney, Mont. This is where Helene grew up and met Colin Chisholm.
On Sept. 30, 1945, Helene married Colin Joseph Chisholm at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sidney. The newlyweds began their married life in International Falls, where they lived until Colin’s death in 2002.
After Colin’s death, Helene remained living in International Falls until May 2013, when Helene moved from International Falls to Plymouth, where she had since lived with her granddaughter, Andrea Dilworth.
Andrea is also a previous resident of International Falls.
Helene’s hands and mind remained extremely active during her life. She could knit, crochet, sew, cook, and bead with amazing ability. When she no longer cooked, she made up for it by watching the Food Network on television. Helene was an avid reader. It was difficult keeping her stocked with books and Word Search puzzles.
During her final years in International Falls, Helene was very active with the International Falls Senior Center.
Until her death, Helene remained a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, International Falls.
Helene was preceded in death by her husband, Colin Chisholm; and siblings, John Schmitt, Fred Schmitt, Leroy Schmitt, Irene Klein and Florence Clark.
Helene is survived by daughter, Florence Hervey; son, Colin Chisholm (Jill); grandchildren, Christianne Johnson, Andrea Dilworth, George Dilworth, Samantha Hervey, Carrie Chisholm (Luis) and Alexandra Chisholm (Lance). Among those surviving are great-grandchildren, Cully Johnson, Barrett Johnson and George Dilworth V. Helene is also survived by siblings, Harry Schmitt, Minnie Schmitt, Rose Gierke, Leroy Schmitt, Larry Schmitt and Mildred Schmitt.
Although tiny and frail in her final years, Helene still maintained her spicy and unforgettable personality. To know her, is now, to miss her.
Visitation will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, International Falls. Funeral will follow at 4 with a lunch following the service.
Green-Larsen Mortuary is entrusted with the International Falls arrangements.
Chrystee Lea Ballan, 67, died unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at Billings Clinic, Billings, Mont.
Chrystee was born Aug. 11, 1947, in International Falls, Minn.
She married David Ballan on June 25, 1966, and traveled extensively “following him around” as an Air Force wife. They moved to Billings in 1982 after military retirement with their two sons, Andy and Tony.
Chrystee spent her years as a homemaker and a daycare provider.
She loved her grandchildren and her dogs dearly and provided much love and support for them.
She also loved to read in her lawn swing and crochet.
Chrystee is survived by husband, Dave; sons, Andy and Tony; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Tristan) Stengel, Rebekkah Ballan, Samantha Ballan, Daniel, Shane and Morgan Ballan; great-grandson, Owyn Stengel; sister, Kathie (Greg) Todd; and brother, Bill (Debbie) Lind.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret (Chet) Lind; and father, Frank Wilson.
Cremation has taken place.
Memorial services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2939 Colton Blvd.
Memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church WELCA.
Arrangements were by Cremation and Funeral Gallery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfgbillings.com through “Our Families.”
Jack Cole, age 73, of Littlefork, Minn., died Sunday, March 15, 2015, at Rainy Lake Medical Center, International Falls, Minn.
He was born Jan. 31, 1942, at Pittsburgh, Pa.
Jack served in the United States Army.
He was united in marriage to the former Debora Hobbs on Jan. 24, 1996.
Jack worked as an over the road truck driver for numerous companies throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Elmira Cole.
Survivors include his wife, Debora Cole; sons, Clyde “Buddy” and Jack, Jr.; daughter, Jennifer; and sister, Claudine (Pete) Quarture. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren.
On behalf of the Jack Cole family, we wish to thank all of those who knew Jack over the years; he thought of all of you as Friends.
Per Jack’s request, no funeral services will be conducted.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
Glenda Marie Dougherty, 68, of International Falls, Minn., died Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Rainy Lake Medical Center.
Glenda was born Dec. 10, 1946, to Gladys (Reitan) and Glenn Lennox in Baudette, Minn.
On Dec. 26, 1963, Glenda married Ralph Dougherty and they had two children.
In 1977, they moved to Portland, Ore., and started their own construction company, “Dougherty Construction.” Glenda also had her real estate license and sold many homes in the Portland area.
In 2011, Glenda moved back home to International Falls to be with family and friends.
Glenda was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; daughter, Shelly; parents, Gladys and Glenn; and brother-in-law, Gary Lepper.
She is survived by daughter, Bobbi Dougherty-Toedtemeier; son, James Dougherty; five grandchildren, Justin Toedtemeier, Brandon Toedtemeier, Jacob Dougherty, Shelly Dougherty and Bradley Dougherty; sisters, Sharon (Dennis) Frank, Mary (Joe Van Guse) Lepper and Kathy (David) Wilber; brothers, Larry (Harmony) Lennox and Edward (Becky) Lennox.
Glenda was expecting her first great-grandchild in April.
A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Green-Larsen Mortuary, International Falls.
A luncheon will follow at Elks Lodge 1599.
Donations may be made in Glenda’s memory to the local Food Shelf in International Falls.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
