Suzanne L. Loken

Suzanne Lou (Stockwell) Loken, 93, Rockford, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025. Daughter to Roy G. and Erma (Kraft) Stockwell, she was born on February 2, 1932, in Marengo, IL.

Suzanne graduated summa cum laude from Marengo High School in 1948 at 16 years old. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Northwestern University Class of 1952. She was a member of the Alphia Xi Delta Fraternity (Beta Zeta Chapter). Upon graduation she applied to law school but was not accepted. Women were not prevalent in the law field at that time.

She worked at Rockcote Paints (Valspar) as the administrative assistant to Ralph J. Baudhuin, and Frank Baudhuin (owners) where she met Henry Gordon “Don” Loken VP Colorant Division. She married Don Loken on October 20, 1956, in Marengo with the reception at the Rockford Country Club, and remained married for over 55 years until his passing on January 18, 2013.

In the 1960’s she quit her job to raise her family initially, but became very active in local politics from the late 60’s through the 90’s. She was a precinct committee member, and a Winnebago County Board member, where in the late 1970’s, she saved the local taxpayers over $150,000 (~ $800,000 in 2025 dollars) in the furnishing of the new Public Safety Building. She went on to work for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs as the Rockford Regional Business Development Manager where she helped local businesses expand and new businesses locate to Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties. Sue received several letters of endorsement for her hard work from Lynn Martin (State Representative), Governor Thompson’s office, the Director of the Commerce Department, and numerous business clients. When she retired, she and Don moved to Gulf Shores/Foley Alabama to follow Don’s dream of a sailboat right outside his home that he could sail anytime he wanted.

After Don passed, she became an avid bridge player in Baldwin County, AL attending different bridge club meetings throughout the area. Upon moving back to Rockford in 2017, she attended the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Bridge Club.

Throughout their marriage, they had Boston Terriers. Don had 23 during his lifetime all named Puggy except for the last and only female, Lulu, whom Sue adored.

Suzanne is survived by her children, Robert (Debbie) Loken of Rockford IL, and Pamela (Barry) Cunningham of Winnebago IL; her grandchildren, Bryce A. (Chloe) Loken of Waunakee WI, Blake N. (Nohelia) Loken of Atlanta GA, Dylan T. Loken of Rockford IL, Kailey E. Cunningham of Winnebago IL, Megan K. (Sean Lock) Cunningham-Lock of Madison WI, Connor G. Cunningham of Madison WI, Ryan (Shelby) Herr of El Paso TX, Bob Herr of El Paso Tx, and Amanda Herr of Wiesbaden Germany. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don; her sister, Mariellen “Speedy” Neuman; and her brother, Roger Stockwell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with a burial to follow at Marengo Cemetery. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.