Susan Denise Wright (Susie) was born in Grand Forks, ND on November 27, 1966, the fifth of five children to Paul and Katy Wright. She was always the last one to know what dessert was going to be, even when her mother was persuaded to “spell it for Susie.”
Susie excelled academically and socially at West Elementary, Valley Jr. High, and Central High School, graduating in 1985. Some of her pastimes were figure skating and theater. We fondly remember her performance of “Turn Back Old Man” from Central’s production of “Godspell.”
Susie went on to pursue higher education at UND, graduating with a degree in Sociology, then continuing to grad school where she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work. During her undergrad years, she was blessed with a son, Josh Wright, who became and always remained the light of her life.
Through college and even after, Susie worked for a number of popular Grand Forks establishments – Highway Host, Target, Spud Lounge, Highlander Lounge and Grama Butterwicks, to name a few. She was fun and funny to work with, and entertaining to customers and coworkers alike, all while doing a great job for them. In fact, Susie met her husband Larry at Grama Butterwicks restaurant in Grand Forks, where she made sure the bacon was extra, extra crispy (burnt). They married in 2008, and he spirited her away to his hometown, exotic Barnesville, MN, in 2010. In addition to love and companionship, Larry provided Susie with one of her greatest joys – grandchildren!
Susie was devoted to her family. She enjoyed planning events and producing a calendar of family birthdays and important dates to help us all remember. Apparently three biological sisters were not enough, so Susie adopted her sisters-in-law, Wanda and Lynn, as well.
Susie continued to work in the hospitality industry in Barnesville at the local café, grocery store and drug store. Susie was a voracious reader and crafter, enjoying crocheting and card making. She was also an enthusiastic experimental cook and baker.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Julsrud, of Barnesville; son, Josh Wright of Barnesville; her father, Paul Wright of Grand Forks; four siblings: Beth Weiss of Bismarck, ND, Margie Wright of Portland, ND, Mary K. Wright of Shoreview, MN, and Andrew (Lynae) Wright of Eden Prairie, MN; two step children: Steven (Elizabeth Butler) Julsrud of Maple Grove, MN, and Sara (Wesley) Holtman of Chisago City, MN; grandchildren: Marty Holtman and Owen Julsrud; in laws: Tom (Annetta) Julsrud of Moorhead, Ted Julsrud of Barnesville, Marilyn Little of Spring Lake Park, MN, Lynn Julsrud of Barnesville, and Dean (Wanda) Julsrud of Barnesville; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Though we’re sad at the unexpected loss of Susie on February 18, 2026, at the young age of 59, we fondly remember the interesting, creative life she lived, and the fun and happiness she radiated. She’s now reunited in Heaven with her mother, Katy Wright and brother-in-law, Bob Weiss.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service in Moorhead, MN. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Feel free to share stories and memories during the service.
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