Elizabeth "Liz" Foss

Elizabeth A. "Liz" (Pagel) Foss, age 81, a longtime Kenyon resident, died peacefully on Saturday morning, August 31, 2024 at Cannon Rivers Senior Living in Cannon Falls.

Elizabeth Ann was born on January 24, 1943 in Cannon Falls, the daughter of Howard and Marjorie (Benson) Pagel. She attended District 42 through the sixth grade, Wastedo School through 8th grade, and graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1960.

Liz married James B. Foss on October 6, 1962 at Spring Garden Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls, which was her home church. She has been an active member of Holden Lutheran Church, Kenyon following her marriage. They raised their two sons on their farm near Kenyon.

Liz worked as a waitress at the Edgewood Restaurant from 1954-1960, and went to Minneapolis Savings and Loan as a central files clerk until 1962. She was a 42-year employee at Chicago Ed's, where she was a clerk at the jewelry store.

Liz was active in her faith circle at Holden Church. She was also a 4-H leader, active in the State and National Milking Shorthorn Association, and a 50-year member of the Rural Youth Group. Liz and Jim were honored as Goodhue County Citizens of the Year in 2015 and National Milking Shorthorn Citizens of the Year. They traveled everywhere together for board meetings and volunteering. They were inseparable as a team.

Liz was preceded in death by her husband, Jim on August 26, 2024; her parents, Howard and Marjorie Pagel; brothers, infant Kevin and Elmer; and infant sister, Martha.

She is survived by sons, Tim (Janet) of Omaha, NE, and Tom (Julie) of Cambridge; four granddaughters, Lauren of Omaha, NE, Jordan of Kansas City, KS, Abby, and Allison, both of Cambridge; brothers and sisters, Wilbur (Becky) Pagel, David (Nina) Pagel, Kenneth (Pam) Pagel, Marie (Darryl) McLain, and Julie (Rob) Lorentz; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Jim and Liz will be held at Holden Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 21 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 9-11 am. This service will be livestreamed and available to view below. A private family interment will be at the church cemetery.

Active urn bearers will be their granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holden Cemetery or the MN State Fair Foundation.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Jim and Liz Foss’ service via livestream, you can watch the service on Saturday, September 21 at 11:00 am. It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.