Susan Elizabeth (Holmen) Castello

Susan Elizabeth (Holmen) Castello, age 61, passed away on August 4, 2026. Born on December 8, 1964, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Susan grew up in Baraboo before making her home in Brown Deer, Wisconsin.

Susan was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend. She is survived by her beloved husband, Karl; her son, Cas; her beloved fur family, Raven ' Squirrel. TWO. and Lexie who brought her endless joy; her sister, Christine Quandt; her brothers, David (Criss) Holmen and Matthew (Liz) Holland; her nieces, McKenna Quandt, Anna Castello, and Aylin Castello; her nephew, Ellis Holland; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Scott (Kristi) Castello; her special friends, Rachel, Marty, and Millie Badt; and many other treasured relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norma Dutch and Gerald Holmen, and her brother, Jim Holmen.

Susan graduated from Baraboo High School in 1983 and attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She began her banking career at Valley Bank and remained through many organizational mergers before joining Metavante, later FIS, where she worked as a Conversion Analyst for approximately 35 years. She was respected for her intelligence, dedication, and professionalism, and she took great pride in the work she did throughout her career.

Those who knew Susan will remember her as someone who was exceptionally bright, warm, and genuinely caring. She had an outgoing personality and possessed the rare gift of making lasting friendships. Even when life became busy and time together was limited, reconnecting with friends felt effortless. They would laugh until they cried, reminisce about old memories, and create new ones together.

Susan found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved camping with friends, spending evenings gathered around a campfire, celebrating holidays with family, traveling to new places, and curling up with a good book. She also had an enormous love for animals, especially her four cherished cats, who were an important part of her family.

Susan had so much more life to live, so many adventures ahead, and so much love to share. She left this world far too soon, and her absence will be deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Her kindness, laughter, intelligence, and unwavering friendship will remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to your local animal shelter or rescue organization, such as MADACC, the Wisconsin Humane Society, or the Sauk County Humane Society, in honor of Susan's lifelong love of animals.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Gunderson officiating. Visitation will occur from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.  Inurnment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery.