Susie Kaye (McKern - Halling) Anliker

     Susan (Susie) Kaye McKern was born February 10, 1949 in Ames, Iowa to parents Mary Connolly McKern & Arthur “Bud” McKern. She died on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Clarion Wellness Center in Clarion, Iowa. A Celebration of Life gathering will be Friday, May 22, 2:00pm at Foust Funeral Home, 1115 SW 2nd Street, Eagle Grove, Iowa. Burial and reception following.

     Susie was a very active and vigorous child, always on the move. This served her well when she took ballet lessons at Ann Dirksen’s Dance Studio in Ames. She eventually became an accomplished ballerina. In her teens she was also proficient in gymnastics.

     Susie graduated from Ames Senior High School in 1967. She had a part time job during high school at Everet’s Flowers, which soon became her life-long profession as a florist. Susie was well known for her artistic abilities and sense of humor while working thirty-two years at Eagle Grove Green House. She made many life-long friends there.

     Susie married Ron Halling in 1968. Together they had four children: Tammy, Matt, and twins Brad and Marc. Following their divorce, many years later Susie married Dave Anliker of Hardy, Iowa. They were instant sweethearts, finding true love later in life.

     While married to Dave, together they enjoyed looking for antiques, especially oil lamps, and traveling. In their nearly twelve years together, they visited Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arizona.

     In the few years prior to her passing, Susie was blessed to have her son, Brad, at her side when needed. A neighbor in Hardy, Julie Argo, became a dear friend and eventual caretaker. Julie and her partner Eli, and the nine children they parented and watched over, loved “Miss Susie.” Susie’s family is grateful for the love and support Julie and her family gave to Susie.

     Susie was pre-deceased by her parents, husband Dave Anliker, and beloved grandson, Jared Parks. She leaves behind her three siblings, Mike (Lynne) McKern, Kathleen (Doug) Verigin and David (Betty) McKern, plus their families, along with her children, Tammy (Chad) Parks, their daughter Adra Parks (Adrian) and their newborn son Jaxon, sons Matt Halling, Brad Halling and Marc Halling, and his daughter Kennedy.

     Susie’s humor stayed intact throughout her illnesses. Sometimes silly and sometimes wicked, always with a mischievous grin and a wink. We miss you Susie and know you she is greeted in Heaven by her husband Dave and grandson Jared. May you dance together into Eternity, knowing how greatly you were loved, and will be loved forever.