Sue Shorney Cleary Koch passed away quietly on March 26, 2026. Born in Saginaw, MI to Robert and Lorraine (nee Marvin) Shorney.

Sue went on to attend Denison University in Columbus, OH where she met the love of her life, Tom Cleary. The two of them settled in Madison, WI where Sue worked at various non-profits in the Madison area and eventually retired from WI Public Radio. Sue's love of the arts flourished in Madison as she supported the Madison Symphony Orchestra with season tickets right up until the end of her life; American Players Theatre in Spring Green; Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society events; and the Milwaukee Opera to name a few.

Following a divorce from Tom, retirement brought Sue a second life where she fell in love with Milt Koch and enjoyed living in the Grafton area just north of Milwaukee. Milt and Sue enjoyed annual trips to Oahu and holidays with their combined total of six kids. In the end, Sue settled into Oakwood Village University Woods in Madison.

Her family would like to thank the Oakwood staff for all of their efforts this past year while Sue managed a battle with dementia.

Sue was predeceased by both her husbands and stepdaughter Kris Ciombor. Sue leaves behind children, Beth Cleary (Jim Albertson) of California and Madison-based Mike Cleary (Amy Waggoner Cleary); granddaughters, Maggie and Eli Cleary; along with step-kids Jeff Koch (Linda) of Hawaii; Karen Koch (Don McCarty) of Florida; Kelly Flick (David) of Wisconsin; and LeRoy Ciombor of Wisconsin.

There is no memorial planned at this time. If you would like to make a donation in Sue's memory, donations may be made to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Please share your memories of Sue by posting in her guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434