Susan Ann Granato (Gentes)

November 7,1969 - January 29,2026

Susan Granato was born November 7, 1969, to Nicholas (deceased) and Mary Bleashka.

In 1975, her legal name was changed to Susan Ann Gentes. She grew up in Kenosha, attending St. Casimir Grade School, Washington Junior High and Bradford High School. Sue attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on an athletic scholarship where she was a regular member of the Dean's List while completing an undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science and Law. She later attended the William Mitchell School of Law in St. Paul, MN and followed she received a Masters of the Arts Degree in Addiction Counseling at the Hazleton Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies in Center City, MN.

Academics were only part of Sue's high school and college life as she excelled in Track and Field, specifically in 800-meter and 1600-meter events. At Bradford High School she was twice a State Champion in the Girls 800-meter and 1600-meters in 1987.Never losing a race in her senior year.

At the University of Wisconsin, she was named Big Ten's Track and Field Indoor Freshman of the Year in 1988. She became a six-time All-American and two-time National Champion - winning the 1992 NCAA 1500-meter Individual Championship and the 1992 NCAA 3200 Meter Medley Championship. While active she set multiple school records and still ranks among the top ten in numerous middle-distance categories of the UW record book. It was also during her time in Madison that she met and married Don Granato.

Despite Sue's many skills and accomplishments, her passion lied in her relationship with others and giving back. She held a deep love for her teammates and friends, yet she flourished even more in simple, enriching conversations of any kind. She had a lifelong passion for the arts, culinary art, fashion, and loved music of all genres.

Sue is preceded in death by her father, Thomas Gentes; both sets of grandparents, Leo and Evelyn Bronk and Robert and Rosalie Gentes. She is survived by her mother, Mary Gentes of Kenosha, two brothers, Christopher, of FL and Tommy of Kenosha; longtime husband, Don Granato; also included are her two nieces, Hailey and Sydney Gentes, FL.

Memorials for Susan will be added to a fund in her honor.

A memorial gathering will be held at Kenosha Funeral Services on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 12:00PM-1:00PM with memorial services to follow immediately at 1:00PM.

Kenosha Funeral Services

8226 Sheridan Rd.

Kenosha, Wi 53143

(262) 652-1943

www.kenosha-funeral-services.com