Dr. Susan Haugen-Behling

Dr. Susan Haugen - Behling, 71, formerly of Foley, AL and Eau Claire, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh. 

Susan was born August 9, 1951 in Barron, WI to Malcolm and Violet Neuman Mickelson. Susan was the oldest of four children, growing up on a dairy farm in Ridgeland. She excelled in school and was the valedictorian of her graduating class of 1969 at Barron High School.  Susan followed her mother’s footsteps by enrolling in the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire teacher education program, graduating Magna Cum Laude in three years. After two years of teaching business at Chetek high school, Susan joined the accounting staff at the University of Wisconsin Stout, advancing over the next six years to chief accountant for federal grants. While at UW Stout she completed a master’s degree and was selected to receive a federal grant to pursue a doctorate. She packed up her three small children and moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, enrolling in Oklahoma State University’s graduate school.

Upon completing her doctorate Susan accepted a teaching position at Drake University in the accounting department, but the call of Wisconsin was strong, and when an opening occurred at her alma mater, she applied, was accepted, and joined the accounting department at UW Eau Claire. She taught there for more than 20 years, obtaining recognition as Certified Management Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor. As a faculty member she served tirelessly as faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, the national honorary fraternity for accounting students, and also served on the Beta Alpha Psi National Board of Directors. Ever cognizant of the need to keep close contact with the business community, she served on the Board of Directors of Royal Credit Union for 17 years.

Susan was regularly recognized by her university for her excellence in teaching but also understood that research and scholarship play a role in both the classroom and her personal growth. She regularly had her research published. Her scholarship brought her to the forefront of a number of professional organizations where she assumed a leadership role. Susan served on the Board of Directors and was elected President of the Midwest Business Administration Association, and was elected President twice of the International Association for Computer Information Systems. Upon completing her elected positions Susan was appointed treasurer of IACIS, a job she held for almost 30 years.

Susan loved to travel, see new places, and interact with new cultures. During her teaching career she explored Australia, Hawaii, Canada, China and Mexico. After retirement she enjoyed cruises through the Inside Passage to Alaska, around the Hawaiian Islands, down the Danube River, and on the Aegean Sea and Baltic Sea. She visited many countries including the British Isles, the Scandinavian countries, Russia, Belize, Taiwan, Greece,Turkey, Portugal, Italy, and many others.  She walked on the Great Wall of China, attended a European Music Festival in Slovenia, saw a play in Piccadilly Square, enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner in Croatia, visited the Vatican, and much more.

She enjoyed spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but during her last few years as her Parkinson's progressed, it made travel difficult.

Susan leaves behind a husband, Robert of 20 years; three daughters: Andrea Lee, Lori (Bruce) Gansberg, and Bobbi Jo (Andy) Kunz; 8 grandchildren: Patrick (Briana) Lee, Ashley, Brent, Jenna Gansberg, Marissa Haugen, Makenna, Maranda, and Wesley Kunz; 3 great-grandchildren: Addyson, Kambree, and Easton Lee; three brothers: Robert (Bonnie) Mickelson, Steven (Marie) Mickelson, and Jerome (Paula) Mickelson; special family friend DeWayne(Linnea) Mueller; three step-children: Ann (James) Kildrow, Chris (Diana) Behling, and Paul (Wendy) Behling; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

Visitation will be held Monday, June 26, 2023 at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 5-7 p.m.

A second visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Rausch-Lundeen Funeral Home in Dallas, WI from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Ridgeland Lutheran Church in Ridgeland with burial to follow at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in the Town of Dallas. Visitation also to be held Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.