Susan Elizabeth Jackemeyer, 56, of Buchanan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at her home. She was born November 12, 1969 in Napoleon, Ohio to Paul and Sharon (Carr) Oberhaus. She married Mike Jackemeyer on April 25, 1992 in Holgate, Ohio, before moving to southwest Michigan.
Susan lived a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. For the last 18 years, Susan taught at Christ Lutheran School, where she became deeply involved in school life. She enthusiastically organized the yearbook, talent shows, and graduation ceremonies, while also directing the middle school choirs and coaching volleyball and cheerleading for several years. Everything she did because of her love for her students, and her passion for encouraging and supporting young people left a lasting impression on countless students and families.
Susan’s servant heart also extended into her church community. She served as director of the men’s choir, sang joyfully in the church choir, coordinated the Scrip Program, organized the annual cookie walk and at one time coordinated funeral luncheons, offering comfort and care to others during difficult times.
Susan devoted 25 years of volunteer service to the Berrien County Youth Fair, where she proudly served as superintendent of the poultry barn — a responsibility she truly loved.
She did all of this while still being a devoted and loving wife and the most amazing and supportive mom to her three children, attending and transporting them to countless games, concerts, gymnastic meets and club meetings.
Throughout her four-year battle with cancer, Susan often shared her “FROG” philosophy — “Fully Rely on God” — a message that carried her through life’s challenges with strength, hope, and grace. Susan’s kindness, encouragement, and unwavering faith touched countless lives and will be remembered always.
The family will receive guests from 4-8pm, Friday, May 15, 2026 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., Saint Joseph. Visiting will continue from 9am until time of celebration of Jesus victory over death at 10am, Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Christ Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville. Burial to follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery, Stevensville. Memorial contributions may be given to the Christ Lutheran Church, the school’s scholarship funds, or the bell tower fund at the address above.
Susan will be missed by her husband of 34 years, Michael Jackemeyer; her children, Jennifer (Lucas) Krupp, Paul Jackemeyer, and Sarah (Zebulon) Pappenfuss; her grandchildren, Judah, Micah, and Elijah; her mother, Sharon Oberhaus; her siblings, Brian (Michelle) Oberhaus, Angie Chester, and Phillip (Kathy) Oberhaus; and many other extended family members and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Paul Oberhaus.
Service Details
Visitation
When
May 15th, 2026 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Visitation
When
May 16th, 2026 9:00am – 10:00am
Where
Christ Lutheran Church
Address
4333 Cleveland Ave
STEVENSVILLE, MI 49127
Service
When
May 16th, 2026 10:00am
Where
Christ Lutheran Church
Address
4333 Cleveland Ave
STEVENSVILLE , MI 49127
Interment
Where
Hickory Bluff Cemetery
Address
4290 Cleveland Avenue
Stevensville , MI 49127