Apr 5, 2021
JACKSON — Elizabeth Ann (Anderson) Vacura, 93, of Jackson, Minn., journeyed to heaven in the arms of Jesus in the early hours of Monday, March 29, 2021, surrounded by her family at her farm home. She completed her family circle in heaven. Elizabeth was born on a farm near Graettinger, Iowa, to Sam and Hazel (Minton) Anderson, on Aug. 19, 1927, along with her twin sister and lifelong friend Edith. They were welcomed by four older siblings and 11 months later, another set of twin girls were born. Times were extremely difficult for this family as they struggled through the depression years and learned to lean on each other. Faith, love, family, hard work, and integrity were the common threads that held them all together making all of them part of the “Greatest generation.” Elizabeth graduated from Maple Hill High School in 1946. She loved school and valued education. When her family all enlisted in WWII or married soldiers, she applied to the Air Force in Lincoln, Neb. She was accepted but her dad insisted that she stay home and help him farm. In 1947 she had the opportunity to study radiology with Sister Baldeena at the Holy Family Hospital in Estherville, Iowa. She graduated at the top of her class and was employed there and later at the Jackson Halleron Hospital. She loved her job and all the people she worked with. She was truly a compassionate soul. Liz, as her friends called her, loved the big band music of the 40’s. They went to hear the Lawrence Welk Orchestra at the Fox Lake Ballroom near Sherburn, Minn. While there she danced her way into the heart of her future husband, Ray Vacura. They enjoyed dancing for many years and loved to waltz. Elizabeth and Ray were married on Dec. 17, 1950, at the Presbyterian Church in Estherville, Iowa, and she moved to the Vacura family farm in Jackson. She was a great farm wife, working side by side with Ray for 43 years. They had two children, Marilynn and Guy. She was the best mom and cheerleader, never missing any of Marilynn’s concerts or Guy’s football games and sports. Her favorite job was being a grandmother and great grandmother. She loved to play with her grandkids, bake cookies, garden with them, go fishing, to the county fair, and take them on trips. She found wonder and magic in the animals that she raised and the birds, kittens, and puppies she loved so dearly. She was blessed with 43 years of marriage and continued farming with her son Guy, when Ray passed in 1993. Liz could be found plowing, planting, harvesting, or nursing baby pigs. She loved gardening and canning her prize-winning tomatoes and baking angel food cake. Every birthday was celebrated with one of these delicious cakes, picnics and family reunions, and any special occasion. She was our angel food cake queen. Liz loved to share her bounty with her neighbors and town friends. Elizabeth later became a nurse and worked at the Jackson Hospital where she made a lifelong friend with her RN supervisor, Jo Strube. After her nursing career she worked at Univac, managed the Stevenson’s clothing store and was a bank teller at Farmers and Merchant State Bank in Alpha, Minn. Elizabeth and Ray loved to travel and went on many bus tours around the country and Hawaii. They also travelled to Ireland several times to visit family as her father and his five brothers had immigrated to the US in the early 1900’s. She was proud to be Irish. Liz never knew a stranger and loved to visit. She was easy to talk to and genuinely loved people. Her heart overflowed with compassion for suffering people. Liz was baptized in the Presbyterian Church and was a member there for 70 years. She would often share her faith with family, friends, and strangers telling them Jesus loves you and so do I. She loved her church and served on many committees, boards, and was a deacon for many years, but her favorite place to be was in the kitchen with the other church ladies. Liz was also a 50-year member of the VFW Auxiliary; she loved her country and was very patriotic. Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Marilynn (Roy) Gillman of Gillette, Wyo.; her son, Guy Vacura of Jackson, Minn., and his former wife Darcy Dieter; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Camile and Chris with Claire and Julia Deppe of Springhill, Tenn., Cassie and Justin with Kendall and Hawkins Dieter of Westbrook, Minn., Sadee Vacura and Matt Janssen of Trimont, Minn. Spencer Vacura of Jackson, Brittany Jones, Gracie, Romi, and Misty Dieter of Brewster, Minn., Tiffany Humes and Lexie of Brookville, Pa.; many nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Vacura; her parents, Sam and Hazel; brothers, sisters, and in-laws, Gail and Lenore Anderson, Stuart and Dora Anderson, Rex and Mary Anderson, Charlotte and Dude Matthes, Edith and Alvin Clabaugh, Margaret and Alton Clabaugh, Marilyn Anderson, Eleanor Vacura, Joe and Mable Vacura, Cliff and Hazel Vacura, Denny and Joy Clabough; nephews, Ron and Rich Anderson, Wayne Matthes, Toby Houge, and Kathy Vacura Leopold.