Elizabeth Kilpatrick Strachan

Elizabeth Kilpatrick Strachan, age 88, of Menomonie, passed away peacefully on her 88th birthday, July 21, 2026, surrounded by loving family members.

Liz was born on July 21, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois to William and Maxine (Harrington) Kilpatrck. She attended public school in Chicago, graduating from Bowen High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Madison, MA in Library Science from UW Madison and MS in Educational Administration from UW Superior. She was married to William F. Strachan on August 17, 1957. From this union three children were born. She began her career as the Children’s Librarian at the Baraboo Public Library.

From there she moved into the Sauk-Prarie School District as the Middle School Library Specialist and the District Library Director. She moved to Menomonie in 1990 and began her tenure as the District Library Media Coordinator, later becoming the School Principal of Downsville Elementary School. After she retired from the district, she worked part time as a Reference Librarian at the Menomonie Public Library.

Her special interests include machine quilting, traveling, photography, animals and spoiling her grandchildren.

She was a member of the Wisconsin Educational Media Association, P.E.O. Chapter AN, and First Congregational UCC Church. She sang in the church choir, participated as Membership Deacon and Co-Chairman of the Tour of Homes.

Liz began a war with cancer in 1977. She won 4 different battles with the disease, always holding onto her faith and family to persevere.

Liz is survived by her children: W. Thomas (Linda) Strachan of Baraboo, James (Tara) Strachan of St. Charles, Ill, Jennifer Strachan Thuemmler of Sussex and 7 wonderful grandchildren. Michael (Michelle) Strachan, Addison (Bryan Short) Strachan, Ryne Strachan, Reilly Thuemmler, Ainsley Strachan, Brody Thuemmler and Rece Strachan. She was also blessed with 4 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her special cousins, Donald Kilpatrick and Eileen DeLacluyse.

She was proceeded in death by her parents as well as her two special friends, Norma Holmen Dutch and Nancy Stouffer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2026 at First Congregational UCC of Menomonie with Pastor René L. Mehlberg officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the church Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Dunn County Humane Society, First Congregational Church and St. Croix Hospice.

Her family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their incredible care and support, her special nurses Kim and Cindy.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com