Susan Teresa Haeger, 77, of West Point, Iowa, passed away at 11:30 p.m. on January 15, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her husband and four children.
Sue was born on May 6, 1946, in Lewistown, Montana to Edward “Red” Hanley and Selma (Wieglanda) Hanley. She married Reed Ross Haeger on August 10, 1968, in Lewistown, Montana.
She attended Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in social work. Sue briefly worked in the field of social work in Lee County, Iowa. Reed and Sue’s first business in West Point was Reed’s Pizza. Although this business was short in duration, it was the beginning of many lifelong friendships. Sue started bartending at the Corner Tap, which she and Reed later purchased in 1983. In August of 2023, they celebrated 40 years in business. The Corner Tap was Sue’s life, and countless loyal customers over the years will forever be Sue’s “Corner Tap Family”.
Sue loved nothing more than visiting with family and friends over a glass of wine, a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio being her drink of choice. She loved gravel travel with a “water bottle” and NPR playing on the radio. She loved a good campfire and great company to go with it. Listening to music was a favorite pastime of Sue’s: from hosting bands at Reed’s Pizza and the Corner Tap, to attending concerts, to tapping out a beat while listening to music from the jukebox. She and Reed recently celebrated 55 years of marriage, with many cherished memories of trips which included fishing, visits to family in Montana and Chicago, and countless other destinations.
Sue is survived by: her husband: Reed of West Point; three daughters: Kathleen “Katie” (Chris) Dailey of Terre Haute, Indiana, Jennifer “Jenny” Steffensmeier (Randy Larson) of West Point, Iowa, Megan (Bill) Kruse of West Point, Iowa; son: Ross (Erin) Haeger of Burlington, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren: Daniel Dailey, Jack Dailey, Claire Dailey, Isaac Steffensmeier (Courtney Abolt), Rachel Steffensmeier (Julian Holmes), Sarah (CJ) Richardson, Aaron (Taylor) Steffensmeier, Nathan Steffensmeier (Larissa Ferrill), Elton Kruse (Madelyn Swigart), Owen Kruse (Katie Beach), Emmett Kruse, Liam Haeger and Gordon Haeger; two great-grandchildren: Quincy and Calvin Richardson, and one on the way! Three brothers: Jerry Hanley of Maiden, Montana, Patrick (Marilyn) Hanley of Billings, Montana, Colonel Robert Hanley (Ret.) of Fayetteville, North Carolina; three sisters, Barbara (Keith) Bruski of Maiden, Montana, Mary Beth (Kenny) Roy of Lewistown, Montana, and Nancy Foecke of Donnellson, Iowa.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Sister Kathleen Hanley, CHM, Mark Hanley, Laurie Voelker, Edward Hanley, brother-in-law: Eugene Foecke, and son-in-law: Ben Steffensmeier.
A visitation was held Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point.
A time of remembrance was held Saturday with Father Gary Beckman officiating at Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the West Point American Legion after the service. Following the luncheon, a celebration of life will be held at the Corner Tap.
Burial will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in West Point.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in her memory for Iowa Public Radio, Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice or the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at
www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
