Sue Ann (Van Lake) Shidaker

Sue Ann (Van Lake) Shidaker

September 5, 1959 – February 25, 2026

Sue Ann (Van Lake) Shidaker, 66, a proud lifelong west side South Bend resident, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Sue was born on September 5, 1959, to the late Lawrence Van Lake and Katherine “Katie” (Kratz) Blasko. She attended St. Adalbert’s and Washington High School, and remained devoted to her west side roots throughout her life. Sue worked for the Coffee Mug  for several years then retired from the Portage Township Assessor’s Office.

Sue never knew a stranger. With her big smile and go-with-the-flow personality, she had a gift for finding a good time and bringing others along with her. She loved gardening, reading, and playing Scrabble — and she was known for making any room a little brighter just by being in it. In a detail that perfectly captured her one-of-a-kind life, Sue was married three times — each time to a man named Randy.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Van Lake and Katherine “Katie” (Kratz) Blasko; her stepfather, “dad”, Michael Blasko; her brother, Gary Van Lake; her son, Brent Bazyk; her former husbands, Randy Bazyk and Randy Knapp; and her husband, Randy Shidaker.

She is survived by her brother, Ray (Deb) Van Lake; her daughter, Koren (Arthur) Hsu; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Sue’s wishes, there will be no formal services. The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate her life the way she would have wanted — with a party. Please join them at American Legion Post #284 on Saturday, March 7 from 1:00 - 5:00 pm. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Frank Murphy, Dr. Travis Weaver and their staff for all their support and care of Sue.

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