Sue Knopf: A journey of giving

August 9, 2025

By Sherry Beames, Donor Services Coordinator

Life experiences inspired a life of giving

People don’t typically start out with philanthropy as their primary goal in life. In most cases, it takes time to build careers, settle into a home, and participate in local activities before aiming to improve the community for everyone. Sue’s journey of philanthropy is similar, but Sue had several pivotal moments along the way, where instead of pulling away, she leaned in and used these moments as inspiration to give back. One need look no further than the three designated funds she has established at La Crosse Area Community Foundation.

A family tradition of community support

Sue came from a family that participated and contributed to their community in many ways. Her parents started a scholarship fund for students studying engineering in honor of her father’s career, and they volunteered at several area nonprofits. Sue remembers her mother putting together packages of goods to send to families in need throughout the years as part of the Box Project, a program that matches families who can provide resources to other families who are in need.

From classroom to community impact

Sue became a math teacher and taught for ten years in De Soto and other schools. During that time, computers were introduced at the De Soto school, and Sue used them to help remedial students with math homework. In 1984, Sue purchased her own Macintosh computer, and the connection between mathematics and computers led her to expand her skill set and career into graphic design.

Sue left the school district but continued to assist students by volunteering her time as a study buddy at Southern Bluffs Elementary School over the next 18 years. During her time there, she noticed the positive impacts field trips had on students. Local organizations would offer free admission to programs or events for the students, but the school couldn’t always fund the extra cost to transport the students.

Creating a field trip fund for La Crosse schools

In 2013, Sue and her husband Jim established The La Crosse Public Elementary School Field Trip Fund, which annually supports field trips for elementary students in the School District of La Crosse.

With this annual gift, La Crosse schools can provide the busing needed to transport students to and from school-related trips. Oh, the places they go! This fund provides support for busing for about 12 field trips every year! Past excursions include the Science Museum of Minnesota, Sparta Bike Trail, Perrot State Park, the Wisconsin State Capitol, Myrick Park, and many more.

Planning for future impact through estate giving

Sue and Jim established a second fund in 2016, which won’t be active until it receives an estate gift. They set up this fund to ensure the organizations they love will continue to receive their support even after they are gone.

Supporting caregivers and families navigating dementia care

In 2019, Sue established her third fund, The James Rothwell Caregiver Fund, after her spouse of 43 years, Jim, passed away from a special type of dementia called Lewy body dementia. Sue had been Jim’s primary caregiver for over a year before his death. She recalled how difficult it was to leave the house to run errands or even go for a walk. She was able to get respite care occasionally to do these things.

After Jim’s passing, Sue wanted to extend that gift to others through The James Rothwell Caregiver Fund. Distributions from this fund are designated to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County to assist with the in-home and respite care needs for those caring for family members with dementia who do not have the financial means to access caregiver support, services, and necessary consumables.

Grounded in nature and community

Sue enjoys being outdoors and is active in several local environment-centered nonprofits, including La Crosse River Marsh, Friends of the Marshlands, Ice Age Trail Alliance, and Mississippi Valley Conservancy. She has traveled miles of local hiking trails and can recommend a good place to hike. She can be seen walking downtown as she runs errands and stays active. The funds Sue established resulted from reflective moments in her life and continue to provide support and opportunities for dozens, if not hundreds, of people every year.

Legacy delivers on its promise

When Sue reviewed the most recent annual summary from the school district, which showed where the students had gone on field trips, she smiled as she looked at the list. She admitted she was happy to see that transportation costs were being covered and relayed that it was nice to know that the fund was doing the good that she and Jim had intended.