Sue’s Flower Shoppe Celebrates 20 Years in Business!

“We’ve been blessed by 20 years of Sue’s and we hope you have been too,” stated Sue Beckner, owner of Sue’s Flower Shoppe in Oakland, NE.

When considering owning and operating her own business for the past 20 years, Sue is very reflective, sharing many of her memories. “When you think 20 years from now, it seems like forever or certainly a long ways off,” said Sue. The same can be said when thinking of 20 years ago. “You wonder where the time has gone. It seems like yesterday that Dee Blanc called me and said ‘Sue, it’s time,” Sue stated. “So, in November of 1994 Ted (Sue’s husband) and I purchased Deelightful Floral from Doc and Dee Blanc, changing the name to Sue’s Flower Shoppe and the rest is history.”

Many things have happened in the past 20 years, good and bad. “Whatever the situations we have endured, the blessings that have been bestowed upon us are countless,” Sue said.

Sue’s Flower Shoppe has always been and forever will be a family business. “It starts off with my husband ted. I will never be able to thank him enough for the love, patience, understanding and confidence that he has given me these past 20 years, not to mention the 14 years before that,” Sue stated. “I definitely would not have made it through these past years without him. He is the love of my life and my rock.”

Sue was also blessed with the support of her parents, the late Don and Marjorie Schold. “There were here every day with me and are still a huge influence in the person I am today. I am also blessed by the support of my in-laws Harold and the late Judy Beckner,” Sue said. “Then there are my children, Erin and Ross. “I could never have asked for two better kids.”

Erin was ten when Sue started her business. “She has always been a huge help to me and my best friend. She tells me like it is and I appreciate that more than she knows,” Sue stated. “I love having her here with me.” Erin is married to Bryon Peterson. They have two children, Josie age four and Rocco, two. “Bryson is a great son-in-law. Not only does he put up with me but is always willing to lend a hand,” Sue said. “And, Josie and Rocco, if you have been to the flower shoppe much, they have probably made you smile,” Sue said.

Josie likes to make new displays and Rocco, aka Bob the Builder, likes to fix things at the shoppe. “We are so lucky that they drop in quite often to brighten our day,” Sue stated.

Ross is a senior at Kansas State University. “Growing up, he spent a lot of time at the flower shoppe. His kindergarten teacher said he was the only five year old she knew that could count by fives, tens and twenties. To keep him busy, I would have him count my cash box at the end of the day,” Sue said. “It seems that paid off. We are thrilled that he has brought Lena Hennig into our lives. Not only is she a beautiful asset to our family, she is also very creative.”

Sue’s Flower Shoppe has what Sue refers to as her extended family. “Jane Larson, Crazy Jane as most of you know her, is amazing. She has been with me for 17 years. She was an answer to prayers when my dad became sick and has been by my side ever since.” Sue stated. Deb Durre joined Sue’s Flower Shoppe four years ago. “She is definitely the ray of sunshine at the shoppe. She is very creative and a great listener,” Sue said. Jessie Keogh is another member of the family. “She is here quite often and does a number of jobs for us. From tickets to deliveries, she is an important part of our family,” Sue stated. Last, but not least, is Christy Jones. “20 years ago when I took on this business, I couldn’t even tie a boy. Christy cam to me right away and said, ‘Sue, do you need help?’ Once again, I thought, thank you God,” Sue said. “Christy has been a party of my family ever since and I can’t thank her enough.”

She doesn’t just consider these ladies employees, they are her sisters and coworkers. “We have been through many life changing experiences together and have formed a bond never to be broken,” Sue stated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would not be able to do it without you. Also a huge thank you to all of my seasonal helpers. You are the best.”

Sue loves her job. “They say if you love what you do, you will never work another day in your life. That is true,” Sue said.

She finds being a florist very rewarding, and the one profession that generally brings smiles. “Let’s face it, flowers make you happy. When you send flowers, you spread joy and happiness, even in times of sorrow,” Sue stated. “This may seen crazy to you, but one of my favorite things to do is funerals.” Sue has buried a lot of relatives and very good friends in the past 20 years and shed many tears while arranging the flowers. “The rewards are priceless because I was able to make one last personal tribute to those special people.” Sue said.

One of the highlights in life and my profession is seasons. Sue loves the change of colors, flowers and foliage, the change in the weather and even the seasons of our lives. “As it says in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, ‘There is a time for everything and season for every activity under heaven.’ We weather most all of these seasons at Sue’s Flower Shoppe,” Sue stated. “Birth and death, planting and harvest, sickness and healing, crying and laughter, sorrow and celebration.”

Sue personally thanks God, her family, her Sue’s girls, friends and all of her customers for the support they have given her for the past two decades. “I could not have done it without you. So, once again, We have been blessed by 20 years of Sue’s. We hope you have been too!”

Sue is celebrating 20 years of Sue’s Flower Shoppe with an open house this Sunday, November 9^th, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Everyone is invited!

Sue at the beginning of her business, 20 years ago, with beautiful poinsettias surrounding her. Photo courtesy of Sue Beckner.

The Beckner family, front row, Sue, holding grandson Rocco and Ted, holding granddaughter, Josie. Back, from left, Bryson, Erin, Ross and Lena. Photo courtesy of Sue Beckner.