Susan Louise Yelken

Susan Louise Yelken, 70, of Lake City, Florida passed away at Lake City Medical Center in Lake City, Florida on Wednesday October 20, 2021. 

She was born in Dekalb, Illinois—the eldest of three daughters born to Keith D. Blumhardt and Virginia Mack Blumhardt on August 14, 1951.  She was educated in both public and parochial schools in Dekalb, Illinois as well as Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Indiana.  Susan completed her nursing training at Lake Shore Hospital in Danville, Illinois. 

Susan served her country as a Nurse in the United States Navy and was assigned to the Naval Hospital in Groton, CT where she met and was united in marriage to Robert Yelken on August 6, 1977.  To this union two sons were born: Justin Robert and Matthew Keith. After completion of her Navy tour duty, Susan continued to work as a Registered Nurse in home healthcare and expanded her medical career into leading Child Birthing classes.  

In 1995, as a result of an accident that caused numerous fractures of her right foot, Susan developed a rare progressive neurogenerative disease characterized by constant pain and swelling of her main muscle groups.  Susan was a fighter and rather than be discouraged, she created and facilitated a support group for others diagnosed with her condition, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy later named Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. 

Susan’s children and grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life. She loved and was extremely proud of her family. Susan was said to have “never met a stranger” and looked to bring joy through humor and her unmatched desire to care for others.

Susan was preceded in death by her grandparents, her Father, and Brother-In-Law, Bill Cook.  

Susan is survived by her Husband and love of her life, Robert of Lake City, FL; sons Justin (Abby), Winter Park, FL and Matthew (Corri), Ocala, FL; granddaughters, Bridget and Blakely; her mother, Virginia Blumhardt Conyers, GA; sisters Karen Eilers (Robert) of Naples, FL and Ellen Cook of Winnetka, IL. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday November 12, 2021 at Parkview Baptist Church, 268 NW Lake Jeffery Road, Lake City, FL at 10:30AM.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request that families consider making a donation to the CRPS Warriors Foundation. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME.

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