Susan "Sue" Jane Tarr

Dr. Susan “Sue” J. Tarr, 66, of Mankato, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on October 30, 2026, following a courageous and hard-fought battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

A beloved wife, sister, aunt, educator, mentor, colleague, and friend, Sue leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, compassion, advocacy, and dedication to others.

Born on February 14, 1960, Sue was raised in Des Moines, Iowa, by her parents, Jack and Dorothy Tarr. Her passion for education and helping others led her to pursue a career in physical education. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa, her master's degree from Kearney State College, and her Ph.D. from Texas Woman's University.

Throughout her distinguished career, Sue dedicated herself to ensuring that individuals of all abilities had opportunities to experience the joy and lifelong benefits of physical activity. Her commitment to students with disabilities helped shape the field of developmental adapted physical education (DAPE) in Minnesota and beyond.

Sue's career in higher education included teaching, research, and faculty appointments at St. Cloud State University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, Bridgewater State College, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and Texas Woman's University. She inspired generations of future educators, encouraging them to recognize the potential in every student and approach their work with compassion, creativity, and a commitment to inclusion.

A respected leader and advocate, Sue was actively involved with MNSHAPE, SHAPE America, and the developmental adapted physical education community. Her contributions were recognized through numerous professional honors and awards. In a particularly meaningful tribute to her dedication to mentoring future educators, the Minnesota DAPE community established the Dr. Sue Tarr DAPE Young Professional Award, ensuring that her influence and commitment to the profession will continue for generations.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sue will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, and unwavering belief in others. She was a devoted mentor, a passionate advocate, and a loyal friend who had a remarkable ability to recognize the strengths in those around her and inspire them to make a difference.

At the heart of Sue's life was her love for her wife, Susie Spika. Together for 20 years and married for six, Sue and Susie built a life rooted in love, kindness, and a shared desire to make a positive difference in the world. Sue's dedication to education and advocacy was complemented by Susie's own giving spirit and her work as a school social worker. Both devoted their lives to helping others, sharing a deep belief in the importance of compassion, generosity, and making the world a better place.

Sue and Susie loved traveling and experiencing new places together, but their greatest happiness was often found in the simplest moments at home, surrounded by the dogs they loved so dearly. Over the years, they welcomed many beloved dogs into their lives, each holding a special place in their hearts. Their home was a place of love, comfort, and companionship, and time spent together with their four-legged family members was among their most treasured joys. Sue's love for animals reflected the same compassion and kindness she shared so generously with others.

Even in the face of ALS, Sue demonstrated the strength and determination that defined so much of her life. Her legacy of perseverance, compassion, and service will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.

Sue is survived by her loving wife, Susie Spika; her brother, Mark Tarr; her sisters, Bev Tarr and Linda (Don) Phipps; her favorite nephew, Greg (Jamie) Tarr; her favorite niece, Amy (Scott) Westerberg; and her great-nephews, Landry and Lincoln Westerberg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dorothy Tarr.

Sue's life was one of purpose, generosity, and profound impact. Her greatest legacy lives not only in the accomplishments she achieved, but in the lives she touched, the love she shared, and the difference she made in the world. Her influence will continue through the family and friends who loved her, the educators she inspired, and the countless lives she helped change.

A celebration of Sue's life will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a service at 4:30 p.m. A reception featuring desserts and beverages will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, and in accordance with Sue's wishes, memorial contributions may be made to her wife, Susie Spika; the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) - https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give; or The ALS Association - https://www.als.org/ways-give.