Susan Schnuckel

Age 72 of Wilmington, Illinois, died Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at her home.

Born November 12, 1953 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Susan Jean was a daughter of James Gardner and Margaret (Getty) Olivetti. She was raised in Calumet Park, Illinois where she graduated from high school in 1971. On January 31, 1981, Sue married William Schnuckel in Markham, Illinois, and together they would move to Wilmington where they raised their family.

She worked for the Illinois Central Railroad until proceeding to begin a new career in nursing. Sue graduated from Joliet Junior College School of Nursing in 1994, and worked for several offices before gaining employment with Joliet Area Community Hospice. She was a natural fit with hospice, with her gentle disposition and calm nature that was reassuring to her patients in their time of need. In retirement, Sue volunteered at the Wilmington Public Library. She was an avid reader and passed along her love of books to her children.

Sue loved to travel, especially anywhere where there was water. Whether it was annual family trips to Michigan, vacations to Mexico, or simply at the pool at the Elks Club in Joliet, she was happiest when she was near the water. Sue was a loving wife and mother, and the best Nana to her grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and care that was inspirational to all who knew her.

Survivors include her children: Briar (Jason Massingill) Schnuckel of Independence, MN, William (Michelle) Schnuckel of Marcellus, MI, and Sydney (Ryan) Gurnitz of Aurora, CO; five grandchildren: Morgan Schnuckel , Reagan Schnuckel, Kenna Gurnitz, Lucy Gurnitz, and Taneli Massingill; as well as one brother, five sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; and two children: Brea and Edward.

Per Sue's wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until prayer services at 11:30 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street, in Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Sebastian Gargol.

Following the funeral mass, a private family inurnment will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Sue's memory to St. Rose Catholic Church or Kuzma Care Cottage.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Bob’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)