Suzanne Jane (Alix) Crank
It is with heavy hearts and fond memories, that we announce Suzanne Jane (Alix) Crank, 81, Holcombe, passed away, Friday, May 15, 2026.
Suzanne leaves behind a beautiful legacy, woven with love, laughter and more fabric, than most people see in a lifetime.
Born Aug. 11, 1944, in Chippewa County, to Arvid and Irma Alix, Suzanne attended school in Holcombe.
She married the love of her life, Donald Crank, in 1963. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith and hard work.
Suzanne helped on the family farm, and owned and helped operate the family logging business, where she managed the bookkeeping.
She was deeply active in her church community, helping organize craft and quilt shows, along with many other activities. It was through these passions, that she discovered her lifelong love of quilting.
Over the decades, her sewing room became a sanctuary of creativity. She was a master of the craft, known for her sharp eye for color, perfectly aligned seams and willingness to tackle even the most complex patterns.
Suzanne didn’t just quilt cloth – she quilted our lives. Like the intricate pieces of a handmade quilt, she stitched together patience, kindness, faith and love, to create a warmth that will comfort her family for generations. Whether she was teaching her children and grandchildren how to thread a needle, binding a newly finished project or sharing laughter, with friends from church and quilting groups, she was always stitching warmth into the lives of those around her.
Her beautiful smile, so freely shared with everyone she met, could brighten even the hardest day, and will be remembered just as dearly as the quilts she lovingly created.
Suzanne leaves behind a legacy of handmade warmth, having gifted countless quilts to family, friends and those in need.
She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years – Donald Crank; her brother – Merle (Sally) Alix; her children – Randy (Kerri) Crank, Tammra (Steven) Melendy and Richelle (Scott) Woller; her grandchildren – Brandon (Kylee), Tabitha (Austin), Kaden, Nicholas, Courtney, Callie and Jason; four great-grandchildren; and leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends, who will miss her greatly.
She was preceded in death by her parents – Arvid and Irma Alix; and her siblings – Yvonne Guthman, Arvid Alix and Darrel Alix.
Services are Saturday, June 20, at the Holcombe United Methodist Church. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to noon, with the funeral service and a luncheon to follow.
All who knew and loved Suzanne, are welcome to attend and celebrate the remarkable life she lived.
Suzanne’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Jill Ewer, the staff at Ladysmith Care and Rehab, and Hope Hospice, for the compassionate care and support they provided.
Her final block is complete and the pattern she leaves behind will endure forever. The warmth, faith, creativity and love she wove into the lives of others, will continue to wrap generations to come, a lasting reminder of a life beautifully and faithfully lived.
