Elizabeth Wessel Obituary

Bill, congradulations for 40 years with one of the finest people I met at St. lawrence. Liz in all respects was phenonimal, professionally, personally, socially, the list goes on. Learning of her departure brought tears to my eyes. I kick myself 100 times for not hunting you guys up decades ago. If you or your kids get to Boston, need a bed, look me up. Sling

I was privileged to work with Liz on the Outdoors for All program of the Sierra Club Four Lakes Group. She always brought us together as an inspirational and visionary leader to effectively do good things for the environment and our community! The glow of children rushing in an out of tents or rushing to be first to put a stone onto the macro invertebrate sector called out on their bingo cards, are examples of how she created curiosity as part of our interaction with the natural world while having fun. I will always remember her comments about jumping up and down in a fresh pile of fall leaves with her family. Her life was an embodiment of goodness and joy mixed with effective action.

My sincere condolences to the Wessel family on your loss. I got to know Liz when we worked together on the Sierra Club Four Lakes Group board, and I always admired how her passion for the work was meshed with a cheerful and calm demeanor. We enjoyed working together over wine or coffee and accomplished a lot while having a great time with good friends. She will be deeply missed.

The memorial service for Liz Wessel will be Sunday, May 11th at 2:00 pm at First Unitarian Society, Madison WI. There will be a live stream and video of the service here. https://www.youtube.com/live/LhVG5Ngh0O4?si=FaedFqgiCN2z92lW

I had the honor of working with Liz when I was an Alder with the City of Madison. She was awesome -- delightful, dedicated, principled, and fun to share time with. I am so sad to hear of her passing -- the world is a much better place thanks to the work of Liz. Liz Wessel -- PRESENTE!

As decades long neighbors we were fortunate to know Liz. Our kids grew up together. We are deeply saddened by her passing. She was an enlightened person with love and hope for the world. A very positive force.

For those wishing to memorialize Liz in the form of a donation, Liz had three organizations she wished to support.

https://www.pointblue.org/support-us/stewards-of-palomarin/
The Palomarin bird banding station is a very special place for Liz, located on the nearby Bolinas mesa from Stinson Beach. For decades biologists have monitored and banded songbirds in these woods. Visit the website to learn more...

https://fusmadison.org/offering/
First Unitarian Society of Madison is our church. The church is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed building and designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark for its architecture. Liz's service will be conducted here.

https://www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/donate
Liz volunteered for Sierra Club of Wisconsin for decades and did many things including serving on the executive committee. In 2022, she was awarded the Volunteer Service Award.