Suzanne Kinzler Luhrs' Obituary
Suzanne Catherine Kinzler Luhrs, 32, of Huntersville, passed away on December 28, 2024, at Novant Huntersville Hospital. She was born on February 14, 1992, in Mecklenburg County to Susan Cantrell Kinzler and the late Stephen Guy Kinzler.
In addition to her mother and stepfather, Bob Fenstermacher, Suzanne is survived by her husband, Erik Luhrs; her son, Maddox; her daughter, Rilyn; and her siblings, Anne and Alexander. She is also leaving her beloved in-laws, Brian, Jeanine, Adam, Katherine, and Ellie Luhrs. Lastly, she leaves adoring aunts, cousins and many, many friends.
Suzanne was a devoted mother, wife, daughter, aunt, cousin, and friend. She had a magnetic personality, and people were naturally drawn to her. She was a whirlwind of life whose spirit will continue to shine long after she’s gone. Like the proverbial "rock tossed in the lake," her impact rippled outward, touching everything and everyone around her.
Suzanne had a deep love for children, and they, in turn, adored her. She had a heart so big that it always felt the pain of others, and she spent much of her life helping those who were struggling, whether it was children, senior citizens, or the weak and vulnerable. She was especially compassionate toward animals, often saving strays and caring for creatures from kittens to frogs. Her love for nature, especially the mountains, was unparalleled—she often said they were her "happy place."
Above all, Suzanne loved her family with a fierce devotion. She defined what it meant to be family, and her love knew no bounds. She taught her children to be strong, kind, and empathetic, always recognizing the needs and hurts of others. As a daughter, Suzanne cherished her parents and had a special bond with them.
Suzanne was incredibly tough and hard-working, never giving up, even when faced with challenges. She overcame a serious drug addiction, choosing to stop using cold turkey when she became pregnant with Maddox. Her strength in overcoming this battle earned her the admiration of many who saw her as a hero. Suzanne’s capacity for love was boundless—from the ground she walked on to the air she breathed, and especially for the people in her life. She was an excellent teacher, woman, and mother who left a lasting legacy of love and wisdom.
Suzanne is now at peace, walking with her Heavenly Father and reuniting with her beloved father, Steve, as well as her maw-maw, paw-paw, grandmother, and grandpap.
A funeral service to celebrate Suzanne's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 5, at James Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service. A reception followed the funeral service at the funeral home.
Burial will be private at Northlake Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to a go-fund-me account (https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-suzanne-a-loving-moms-legacy) to support raising the children or directly to Erik Luhrs for the same purpose.
What’s your fondest memory of Suzanne?
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Share a story where Suzanne's kindness touched your heart.
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