Susan M Abernathy

Honored by:Isabelle Staudt
Brick location:Section O, Row 20, Paver 5  map

A loving mother and wife, Susan Bernau Abernathy always puts her family first. She has been married to her husband, Mark Abernathy since 2013. She has three children, Alex, Will, and Isabelle, and two grandchildren. Throughout her life, she has always put her family above everything else, making her best effort to make it to every soccer game, cross country meet, and concert throughout the years.

Susan grew up in Charles City, Iowa on the farm with her four brothers and her parents, Patricia Bernau and Gary Bernau. In high school, Susan was involved in 4-H. From a young age, Susan has always loved riding horses. Today, she lives on an acreage with two horses she loves taking care of, riding, and taking to horse shows.

Susan graduated from University of Northern Iowa in Public Administration in 1990 with highest honors. She then graduated from University of Iowa in 1992 with a Juris Doctorate of Law. Susan was a member of the Order of the Coif Honorary Society.

Susan started at private law firm in Cedar Falls before working as an attorney for the City of Cedar Falls. She worked for Ahlers and Cooney private law firm for two years in Des Moines, and now currently works on the General Counsel for Cedar Falls Utilities.

Susan serviced on the Goodwill Board of Directors from 2016 to 2020. Susan taught at University of Northern Iowa in the early 2000s. She has also volunteered and spoken many times at the University of Northern Iowa College of Business Ethics conference. Since her childhood, Susan has always sought to give back to her community without hesitation.

Above all, Susan is a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, and friend to all. She is always there for her family, and never fails to put a smile on their faces.