Born in Germany in 1925, Dr. Suzanne Saueressig graduated from the University of Munich Veterinary College in 1953 and completed her doctoral dissertation magna cum laude in 1954. In 1955, she traveled to America to gain hands-on animal experience, intending to study for one year. Instead, she remained at the Humane Society of Missouri for the next 55 years. She joined the Humane Society of Missouri in 1955 and served as chief of Veterinary Services from 1965 until 1997 and continued her veterinary practice at HSMO until 2010. She married Richard Riegel, DVM in 1956.

In 1972, she was honored as national "Woman Veterinarian of the Year" by the Women's Veterinary Medical Association not only for her work on behalf of the profession but also for inspiring dozens of young people to become veterinarians. In 1983, she was honored as a leader of distinction and inducted into the YWCA Metro St. Louis Academy of Leaders. Dr. Saueressig also served on many veterinary and community organizations.  Dr. Saueressig is credited with developing the Humane Society of Missouri's City Headquarters clinic into the vibrant animal hospital it is today.

Dr. Suzanne Saueressig passed away Friday, February 08, 2013 at age 88.