Elizabeth "Liz" Bednar

G. Elizabeth 'Liz' Bednar, age 82, of Nashotah, Wis., passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. Liz is survived by her children Matthew (Sheila) Brzeski, Andrew (Corinne) Brzeski, Stephen (Julie) Brzeski, Christine (Mark) Skumatz and Ellen (Donald) Bartkowiak; 18 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; siblings Rita, Gene, Fran, Alan, and Bernadette; many more extended family members; and countless friends. Liz was preceded in death by her siblings Mary Ann and Janice, as well as her parents, Louis and Grace Bednar. Liz loved each of her children and each of her grandchildren joyfully and unconditionally. Her love was a constant in all their lives. Liz was a lifelong learner, with an endless appetite for information and cultural understanding. She completed a bachelors and then a masters degree after raising five children. As a former Elementary Education Teacher in the Oconomowoc School District, former employee at Books and Company, former President of the Kiwanis Club, and active member of Learning in Retirement at WCTC (to name only a few of her activities) Liz was progressive in her search for knowledge. Whether she was starting a Facebook group for her Slovak relatives or teaching a paper-making class, Liz was always a pioneer. Her love of genealogy was something she shared with many people, both family and fellow genealogists. As a dedicated member of the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Milwaukee Personal Ancestral File Users Group, she would gladly take a trip to do genealogical research at libraries in Chicago, New York, or Salt Lake City. Her family appreciates their roots more fully because Liz helped them discover and understand those roots. Liz had an irrepressible wit. Her friends and family members all have stories of her quick wit and endless good humor. She loved to listen to her grandkids play music, join her siblings in folk songs and family favorites at reunions, and sing with friends in the Oconomowoc Community Choir. Her family and friends will celebrate Liz’s life in Saturday, December 02, 2017, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church (120 Nashotah Road, Nashotah). Visitation will be from 9 am until 11 am. Mass will start at 11 am.