Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960
Liz Betty Wall Strohfus field named at Faribault Airport
The Commemorative Air Force graciously provided its North American SNJ-6, one of the types of trainers Liz Strohfus flew during training missions.
This plaque, carved by Ivan Whillock, was unveiled during the ceremony honoring Liz Strohfus.
The new sign commemorating Liz Strohfus now at the airport entrance.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, holding a Liz Strohfus hand fan. stands with AAUW member Kathy Larson, and one of the Emcees of the day. Pat Rice (not pictured) also Emceed.
Liz Strohfus WASP Graduation photo from February 1943, displayed among may photos at the ceremony.
Amy Strohfus, (granddaughter) Terry Baker (friend), Kimberly Strohfus (granddaughter), Art Roberts (son).
The photos on the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame plaque to which Strohfus was inducted in 2000.
AAUW member Gloria Olson, one of the originators of the idea of dedicating the airfield to Liz Strohfus.
Saturday, June 24, Faribault Airport officially commemorated the Liz Wall Strohfus Field. Pat Rice and Kathy Larson of the American Association of University Women presided over the ceremony, which opened with the Posting of the Colors by the Color Guard and Honor Guard.
Dignitaries who honored the well-loved WASP included U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Faribault Mayor Kevin Voracek, and American Aviation Heritage Foundation president Terry Baker, Major Stacey Meiser of the Minnesota Air National Guard, and Delta Airlines First Officer Cheri Rohlfing. Karen Rasmussen read a letter from U.S. Senator Al Franken commending Strohfus. Family, friends, associates, and admirers smiled, laughed, and often wiped tears from their eyes as presenters told their favorite stories about how they loved Liz and were inspired by her passion for aviation.
A plaque carved and donated by renowned wood carver Ivan Whillock was unveiled, much to the delight of all. Outside, a 1959 North American SNJ-6 Trainer graced the tarmac, just one of the many aircraft Strohfus flew.
In an interview with the Minnesota Flyer, granddaughter Amy Strohfus said one of the most important impacts her grandmother had on the world was giving little girls an opportunity to believe in themselves and accomplish things that are not always readily available for women.
Kimberly Strohfus, another granddaughter also commented.
"I think the main thing about Grandma Liz is that she was physically such a small lady but nothing else about her was small. She had the biggest smile, the biggest heart, the most compassion for people and aviation I've ever seen."
True to the spirit of the day was an often quoted phrase, "Everybody loved Liz."
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