Suzanne L. Niemeyer

Suzanne L. (Schatzel) Niemeyer passed away at age 62 on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at home with her husband and children by her side after a courageous battle with cancer.

She leaves behind many that loved her dearly including her husband of 41 years Jim Niemeyer of Richland WA; her son Ryan Niemeyer, his wife Jennifer and their three children, Evan, Claire and Kathryn of Portland OR; her daughter Casey Thomas, her husband Paul and their two sons Elliot and Oliver of Perth, Australia; her brother Hank Schatzel and his wife Audrey of Moyie Springs ID; her sister Jeanne (Schatzel) Hayes and her husband Brady of Calgary, Alberta; and her nieces Jennifer Marks and Erica Glassford and nephews Bob and Brian Schatzel, and their families.
Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents John and Audrey (Bramlet) Schatzel and brother, Robert Schatzel.

Suzanne was born November 12, 1950 in Walla Walla WA. She attended Edison Grade School, Pioneer Junior High School and Walla Walla High School where she graduated in 1969. Some of Suzanne’s fondest memories from childhood were playing kick the can and drinking kool-aid and eating popcorn with her brothers and sister and neighborhood friends. She loved riding horses and performing on the trampoline, and was ranked nationally in indoor 22 rifle shooting.

She started working at a young age, and it was while working at the Arctic Circle as a teenager that she caught the eye of her future husband. In November 1971 they were married and began their family. Suzanne loved being a Mom and did everything for her kids despite working full time. She loved going camping and motorcycling with her family and even coached Casey’s softball team.

Once Ryan and Casey left home, Suzanne loved going on road trips with Jim and often spoke fondly of her vacations in Tahiti and Hawaii and train trip to Chicago. She also devoted a lot of time caring for her aging mother. In her later years, she developed a passion for knitting and looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren.
Suzanne worked at Battelle Northwest Laboratories in Richland WA for nearly thirty years. She took a great deal of pride in the quality of her work and was happily anticipating her nearing retirement.

Suzanne will always be remembered for her caring heart, love for family, determination and beautiful smile. We will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Center (9353 W. Clearwater, Kennewick) at 11 am Saturday March 16, 2013. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.