Sue Choate

Sue Ellen Choate was born on August 26, 1944, in St. Louis, MO., to Robert B. and Mildred, nee Gierschner, Luecke, and moved to Tucson, AZ as a child. There, she met and married her college sweetheart, John, on October 16, 1964, beginning a life together marked by love, devotion, and service. She passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, at her home in O’Fallon, Ill.

Sue Ellen earned her teaching degree from the University of Arizona and spent many years teaching deaf students and students with special educational needs before retiring in 1992. A devoted military wife, she taught many students in various schools around the globe. After retirement, they settled in O’Fallon.

A longtime, dedicated Puppy Raiser volunteer for Canine Companions, Sue Ellen, with John’s support, helped prepare Canine Companion puppies for their final stage of professional training to become graduate Service Dogs. She patiently taught obedience and social skills, introducing the puppies to everyday experiences so they could move on to advanced professional training and, ultimately, help people with disabilities live more independently. Sue Ellen loved the fact that, nationally, Canine Companions provides these highly skilled Service Dogs to disabled applicants at no cost.

Sue Ellen became a familiar presence around town with a puppy always by her side. Her training outings took her and her pups to libraries, schools, hospitals, and more, bringing her commitment to service into the heart of the community.

She was also a member of PEO Chapter NR.

Sue Ellen is survived by her husband, John; her children, Jeff (Eileen) Choate of Edwardsville and Tracy (Paul) Przybylski of Wildwood, Missouri; and her beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth G. Choate, Carter Przybylski, Caitlin Przybylski, and Lauren Przybylski.

Sue Ellen’s life reflected a deep commitment to helping others—as a teacher, a military wife, and a devoted puppy raiser. In memory of Sue Ellen, memorial donations are suggested to Canine Companions at www.canine.org, or by mailing your contribution to the Choate Family, c/o Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, IL 62269.

The family will hold private services, and Sue Ellen will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo., under the direction of Wolfersberger Funeral Home. Sign the guest book or message the family at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Obit Provided By:
Wolfersberger Funeral Home