Elizabeth Louise (Johnson) Zurbuchen, age 88, of Onalaska, died on Sunday, December 3,
2023 due to complications after a fall.
Liz was born on June 12, 1935 to Leonard and Nina (Danielson) Johnson in Black River Falls.
She was raised on farms near Blair with eight siblings and left home at the age of 16 to finish
high school in Duluth, MN. She received a scholarship to attend St. Luke’s Hospital nursing
program.
Elizabeth married Edward Zurbuchen on July 11, 1959 and they had three children, Peter,
Todd and Elissa. They divorced in 1978.
Elizabeth received a Master’s degree in History from the Winona State University in 1991 at the
age of 56 after raising her children and working full-time.
Elizabeth was an avid artist and traveler who immensely loved her eight grandchildren. She
had many careers during her lifetime; professional cake decorator, realtor, substitute teacher
and master gardener. However, she would always state that her most important
accomplishment was being a single parent.
Liz was well known for her strong faith, strong opinions and Norwegian stubbornness. She
prayed for many people and did her best to keep track of her extended family, no matter how
far away they moved. She constantly encouraged others around her to study scripture and
continue learning. As she often said, “if you aren’t learning, you might as well be six feet
under.”
Elizabeth will be sorely missed by all who had the honor of getting to know her.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Peter (Lisa Mohr) of Minneapolis, MN and Elissa (Marc
Ostermeier) of Baltimore, MD; her grandchildren, Peter, Wilhelmina, Serafina, Gabriel,
Shipharah, Israel, Brita and Sara; her great-grandchildren, Landon, Laila and Lilila; her sister,
Fern Durbin of Las Vegas, NV and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her loving parents, four sisters, Phyllis Ruff, Joyce Suchla, Linda
Warner and Berniece Bishop; three brothers, Curtis, Robert and Victor and her son, Todd.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the North Beaver
Creek First Lutheran Church with burial in the church cemetery both in rural Ettrick. Pastor
Mark Rieke will officiate.
Memorials may be designated to Habitat for Humanity.
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