Lynette Laura (McCaffery) Zais

Lynette Laura Zais of Marshfield passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Wells Nature View assisted living center in Marshfield after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Lyn, the daughter of Philip and Hazel McCaffery of Stanley, Wisconsin, was born on January 20, 1942.  She graduated from Stanley High School and attended Luther College and the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, graduating with a degree in biology.  She married her high school and college sweetheart, Donald Zais, in 1964.  Don and Lyn shared their first home together in Sparta before moving to Wisconsin Rapids and then to Marshfield in 1967.

Lyn was a constant student in life.  Formally, she earned two Master’s degrees, and informally she was always open to trying new experiences, foods, travels, books, and subjects.  Her love of learning and education led her into a job in substitute teaching followed by her dream career as a guidance counselor at Mid State Technical College helping others find their own passions.  Lyn was also an educator and counselor to anyone who considered Lyn family, frequently supporting siblings, siblings-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends, and those who thought of her as a second mother through their career decisions and other life changes.

Lyn was very musical, especially as a piano player.  She taught piano lessons to many and was a frequent accompanist for countless students at music festivals, church, and recitals.  She helped her three children learn to love and perform music.

Beyond her connection to students and musicians, Lyn was widely known throughout Marshfield for her participation on various civic functions like the Library Board and the School Board.  She was a regular at the Kitchen Table restaurant where she delighted in meeting new people at the community tables.  She was a fixture at First Presbyterian Church, always urging that community to help everyone be more fair, equitable, and protective of all people and the planet we share.

Lyn is survived by her husband Don of Marshfield; brothers Keith (Josie) McCaffery of Rhinelander, Mike (Kathleen) McCaffery of Marshfield, and Wayne (Sally) McCaffery of Stevens Point; Sons Kevin (Lori) Zais of Spencer and Brian (Karen) Zais of Excelsior, MN; four grandchildren and three (soon to be four) great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Amy Zais of Marshfield.  She will be remembered by the hundreds of lives she personally touched through her long life helping others.

Lyn will be cremated with her ashes interred in the columbarium at First Presbyterian Church in Marshfield.  A Celebration of Life service is being planned for Saturday, October 7 at First Presbyterian Church, visitation 9:30-11:00, service at 11:00

Gifts and memorials in Lyn’s name can be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Marshfield.

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