Beloved Wicker Park Bar Owner Dies

Susan Stursberg, co-owner of Wicker Park's Gold Star Bar, passed away on Monday, Dec. 10, when she lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Her husband and Gold Star co-owner, Ian Tuggle, shared thoughts about her death on the bar's Facebook page.

"There aren’t any words that I can think of that do justice to the sense of loss we are feeling right now," Tuggle said, in the post. "This morning my wife Susan Stursberg passed away due to cancer. She was at home where she wanted to be, and it was very peaceful."

He goes on to reflect on he and his wife's meeting in 1992 at Gold Star. 

"Every moment that I was able to spend with her for twenty years was wonderful and I didn't get enough of them," he says.

The post had been shared nearly 50 times as of Tuesday evening and more than 225 people commented, expressing condolences and fond memories of Susan. Several photos of her had also been shared, along with a poem.

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Many area organizations and publications, including the Bucktown Wicker Park Insider's Guide, shared the statement, along with their own kind words.

"Susan was a warm, caring and friendly long-time member of the Wicker Park community and she will be greatly missed," the guide adds to its story.

The 45-year-old was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past spring, and several fundraisers and benefit concerts were organized by a group of people who called themselves "Friends of Susan."

They were working to raise money for her treatment at venues such as Double Door, the Chopin Theatre and Gold Star itself, 1755 W. Division St. As of Dec. 11, the total accumulated was $18,808, according to the group's fundraising page. The goal is set at $25,000.

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