Susan E. Van Dover
Susan Elizabeth (White) Van Dover, 68, of Aberdeen, SD died Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Avera St. Lukes in Aberdeen, SD.
She was the beloved daughter of Paul and Carol (Smith) White, born on February 9, 1957, at Mark Twain Hospital in Hannibal, Missouri. That same day, her maternal grandmother celebrated her 50th birthday — a joyful coincidence that marked the beginning of a life that would go on to light up the world.
After spending a few early years in towns throughout northeastern Missouri, Susan’s family moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1961. She would remain in Aberdeen for the rest of her life. Susan attended school in the Aberdeen Public School District and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1975. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from Northern State College in Aberdeen.
Susan met her future husband, Dan, in high school. They first became acquainted through mutual friends while double dating, and both were members of Central’s mixed choir, A Cappella. They reconnected when Susan began attending Northern State College a year after Dan had enrolled. At the time, neither was dating, so they decided to go out together—what they later jokingly referred to as a "pity date," since each had felt sorry for the other. That outing sparked a deep and lasting friendship that blossomed into love. After five years together, they were married in June of 1980. Theirs was truly a lifelong romance.
Susan was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of nine. Although the diagnosis brought significant changes and, over time, many physical challenges, she continued to live a full and vibrant life. One of her favorite adventures was attending diabetic camp in the Black Hills, where she formed lifelong friendships- many of whom have since passed due to the devastating effects of the disease. Among the most cherished of those friends were Dan Krikac and Patty Martin. Patty remained a source of inspiration, friendship, and unwavering support throughout Susan’s life.
Susan gave her first public vocal performance alongside her best friend, Robbie (Hollan) Gellhaus, during a worship service at the First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen. Understandably nervous, one of them battled a very dry mouth, while the other experienced quite the opposite—but they made it through together. That performance marked the beginning of many more shared moments in song, and it remained a cherished and often-laughed-about memory for both of them throughout their lives.
From those early performances, Susan went on to become a highly accomplished vocalist. She received classical training under Dr. John Berggren at Northern State College and embraced a repertoire of challenging and sophisticated music. Over the years, she competed in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions and several other prestigious contests. She performed as a soloist with the Aberdeen/University Symphony, as well as with the Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Huron symphonies. For five years, she was featured in the South Dakota Arts Council’s Touring Arts program catalog, allowing her to share her gifts throughout both North and South Dakota. Susan was frequently invited to judge vocal competitions and performed both as a soloist and in small ensembles countless times. With the support and accompaniment of Cathy Hall, Susan became the first blind choral director at the First United Methodist Church. There are many more moments when she shared her musical gifts, but let us stop, as she’s already becoming embarrassed.
This leads us to honor one of Susan’s greatest character attributes - her humility. Susan found it very hard to accept the praise and attention that poured in her from her many listeners. Her most consistent response to compliments was to give that beautiful and ever-present smile, and this response: “I’ve been fortunate to be blessed with a gift from God. I honor God and all those who have helped with my musical journey, and I feel fortunate to be able to have such a rewarding ministry.”
Susan’s faith in God sustained her and gave her a radiant spirit. She reflected His presence in every smile, every song, every heartfelt conversation, and in the tender love she gave to the many pet dogs who were blessed to be hers over the years.
Susan’s remarkable musical talent could sometimes feel intimidating to others- especially in informal or private settings where singing took place. But she always put people at ease, often saying with a smile, “Just sing and make a joyful noise! Anyone can sing!”
Susan had a deep and abiding love for her family. Whether through shared laughter, heartfelt conversations, or quiet moments of support, she made each person feel cherished. Her hugs were legendary—strong, sincere, and unforgettable. No one, not even the most dedicated anti-huggers, ever escaped without receiving a giant hug from Susan. Her warmth, loyalty, and joyful presence will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to be part of her life.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Carol White; her in-laws, Audrey and Jerald Van Dover; her brother-in-law, David Van Dover; her nephew, Tyler Van Dover; and several dear friends she met through the diabetic community, whose memories she carried with love throughout her life.
Surviving Susan are her husband, Dan; her two older brothers, Joe (Marsha) White and Craig (Sue) White; and her younger sister, Rhonda (John Hall) White. She is also survived by her brother- and sister-in-law, Daryl and Crys Van Dover; her beloved nieces, Lindsay (Kevin) Crocker, Tara (Vince) Newbaker, Tiffany Harman, and Rebecca (Jason) Munsch; and her nephews, Josh White, Paul White, August Hall, Quinn Hall, and Gary Van Dover.