Susan Lynn Perschke

Sue was adopted as an infant by her loving parents, Robert (“Bob”) and Louise Wilson.

She graduated from Aurora Central High School in 1972. Inspired by her father, Bob - who served as a sergeant in the 157th Infantry Regiment during World War II—Sue joined the U.S. Air Force, where she served honorably as a linguist.

After her discharge, she became a paralegal, working both in private practice and at the state attorney’s office in Denver. During her legal career, she developed a passion for computers in the early 1980s. She persuaded her boss to purchase an early computer and wrote her first program to merge client data for printing legal documents.

In 1987, after the birth of her son, Sue left her paralegal job and founded her own computer consulting business. Initially focused on databases, she later expanded into web development. She successfully ran the business from 1987 until her passing. For the first ten years, she ran it alone; her husband Knut joined her in 1996.

Sue was a true pioneer in the computer programming world. She authored hundreds of articles for industry publications, and in the early 1990s, she wrote the definitive guide to MS Access database programming, which sold nearly 50,000 copies. Microsoft and other major tech companies sought her expertise on database strategy. She developed software solutions for a wide range of clients, including the U.S. Air Force, Microsoft, Intel, and Wells Fargo Bank, as well as small businesses and nonprofits. One of her Air Force programs for environmental self-assessments is still in use nearly 20 years after she created it.

Sue was also a devoted wife and mother. Her son Ryan, who lived in the Midwest with his father, remained close with her over the years. Her daughter Erin lived with Sue and Knut in Colorado. Sue and Knut met online in the early days of the Internet in 1995. At the time, he lived in Norway. He visited her that Christmas, and the rest is history—they married in the spring of 1996 and celebrated 29 years of marriage this past April. Erin holds a master’s degree in neuroimaging and currently works in research at the University of Colorado.

Beyond her career and family, Sue had many hobbies, especially in the crafts. Inspired by an aunt, she took up quilting 25 years ago and created many beautiful pieces for friends and family. She also embraced machine embroidery, using her computer skills to design intricate patterns. Over the years, she upgraded to increasingly advanced sewing machines, creating pillows, table runners, and quilts.

Sue, Knut, and Erin enjoyed RV camping and explored much of the American West in both small and large RVs. They camped year-round, with favorite destinations including Carter Lake, St. Vrain State Park, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park in Colorado Springs.

Sue is survived by her husband, Knut; daughter, Erin, of Johnstown, CO; and son, Ryan, of Indiana. She is also survived by her brother, Tom (Ana), of Parker, CO, as well as many cousins, nephews, in-laws, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Louise Wilson.

Sue was a devoted born-again Christian, and her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, at peace and in a better place.

A celebration of life will be held later this year.