Elizabeth J. Strittmater

Elizabeth “Liz” June (Harter) Strittmater, age 66, of La Crosse, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Bethany St. Joseph’s Care Center, with her loving family by her side.

Born on February 19, 1959, in La Crosse to Earl and Bernice (Helgerson) Harter, Liz was the youngest of seven siblings and proudly embraced her nickname “Princey”—forever the baby and the beloved “Princess” of the family. From the very beginning, she carried a deep love for people, a gift for making connections, and a heart centered around one thing: family.

After graduating from Logan High School, Liz married Scott Strittmater in December of 1976 with time spent living in Scotland and Virginia Beach before returning to La Crosse to plant roots and raise a family. Liz took immense pride in her children—never missing a moment to share stories about them with anyone willing to listen.

Driven by a calling to care for others, Liz returned to school and earned her nursing degree in 1989. She went on to build a lifelong career of service and compassion, working as a registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital (now Mayo Clinic Health System) in La Crosse. One of her greatest dreams came true when she joined the pediatrics department. Later, she continued her calling by caring for patients in their homes—bringing light and comfort to countless families in the community.

Liz was known for her kindness, her ability to connect with people of all ages, and her genuine curiosity that often turned strangers into lifelong friends. She especially adored babies and young children, always lighting up in their presence.

In her free time, Liz found joy in the simple and beautiful parts of life—playing cards, reading thrillers, soaking up the sun, watching movies, sharing dinner with her youngest son, and going on girls’ trips with her daughter. She loved being outdoors, attending concerts, and most of all, spending precious time with her granddaughters.

She is survived by her beloved children: Jeffery (Rachel) Strittmater, Danielle (Erik) Harvieux, and Brent Strittmater (fiancée Alex Ter Haar), and their father, Scott Strittmater. She leaves behind her cherished granddaughters: Aubrie Strittmater, Harlow Harvieux, and Haven Harvieux. Liz is also survived by her sisters Patricia Turmo, Linda Dayton, and Mary Pickett; dear friends Susan Titter, Laureen Phillips, Sharon Harter, and Carol Kringen; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched deeply.

She is reunited in heaven with her parents, Earl and Bernice Harter; her brother William Harter; sisters Rose Woestman and Joy Priebe; and her precious granddaughter Haelyn Harvieux.

A celebration of Liz’s life will be held this summer, with details to follow. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join in remembering a life lived with a devotion to family, a genuine concern for others, and the simple things in life (including Diet Pepsi and Snickers Bars).