Liz Beyler Kraak
July 14, 1947 - February 9, 2017

"Larry, I worked with Liz at WIBA. I am very sorry for your loss. Wayne Maloney"

"I was very saddened to hear of the news of Liz's passing. I met Liz a few years ago attending Weight Watcher's meetings on Saturday mornings. I introduced myself to Liz and we immediately hit it off because we both worked in the electronic medium. I worked several years at WKOW and Liz served many years working at WIBA. Needless to say, she did not sugar coat much when it came to talking about past management personnel. We also recalled fondly, those who worked at WIBA but had passed away. We could talk for hours about the many mutual acquaintances we had in common. Anyways, I knew of Liz's struggles with recalling things, or in some cases just being able to hear a conversation, find something like a pen or her car keys. Eventually, I knew her husband would drive her to Weight Watcher meetings. There was always a special seat for Liz at the Weight Watcher meetings and I always sat next to her. When one of us wasn't there we'd always ask the next week - where where you. Now, I won't be able to sit next to you Liz - and I won't need to ask where you are. For i shall know you are in a better place - free of the pain and suffering. God bless your family in this time of loss."

"So sorry to receive sad evidence that time won't run backward, and take us back to how great you were, Liz, editing West High Times and re-typing my stuff so that it came out looking better than it really was. Fly high and keep smiling."

"Larry, My condolences to you and your family. I had the pleasure and opportunity to learn and laugh along with Liz in our work together at UW-Madison. She was a wonderful person to be around. With sympathy, Sharon Seagren"

"Momo, Junko and I will miss our visits as we walked by Kraal house and Larry and Liz would come down to visit sharing stories about our dogs, flowers, neighborhood events and our love of the Badgers. We will still look up to the window and imagine that smile. "

"Ever since we were in college, it seemed that Liz was always there. At local community events, and certainly a myriad of Badger events, Liz was always there. Liz loved journalism- and really did the hard work of journalistic endeavors- she energetically dug in and pounded the streets for real facts and answers to the questions of the day. She was passionate and courageous in her efforts to share matters of concern through reporting and conversations. And a better fan of both Madison and of the Badgers will be hard to find. Liz was always 'there'. And now that she is 'THERE', I suspect she will continue to be amazed and even amused by the antics of life in Madison, as a Bucky fan from above. Liz, may you Rest In Peace, and know that you are loved and missed! Sincerely, Peggy Williams.... Madison Central High '66, UW '70"

"Liz had a nose for news. She frequently scooped us guys at the Capitol. Liz was one of the key broadcast news reporters who made the print reporters take notice. She was great to work along side. Her smile and laugh were infectious. I'm sure you will cherish your memories of her."

"Larry, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife."

"Liz was a true professional in every sense of the word. 35 years ago I was a very young reporter at WISM-AM/FM, and Liz was with WIBA. While we were competitors, Liz treated me with the utmost respect, and she took me under her wing and watched out for me. Liz was an excellent reporter, but an even better person. I am saddened to hear about her loss. "

"Liz and Larry have been in my daily prayers these past few months with the onset of Liz's illness and recent decline. Liz and I bonded over coffee on Saturday mornings after our Weight Watchers meetings and became fast friends. She taught me many things about watching and feeding outdoor birds. I gave her a Christmas ornament once that had many backyard birds on it and she made me name every one! I also went to my first bird-banding with Liz. We shared many fun times together including Farmer's Markets, Pontoon rides, shopping and even hiking in the woods. Lizzie will be missed sitting at our table with our every-growing coffee group on Saturday mornings. Goodbye Lizzie...I hope your soul is soaring!"

"It was a pleasure and an honor to work with Liz at the DNR. She worked diligently to inform the public about the agency's mission. Throughout, her love of the outdoors and the creatures who lived there was obvious. Those who knew Liz, professionally and personally, surely will miss her ready smile, contagious laughter and willingness to lend a helping hand. Diane Brinson"

"She'll always be "Lizzie B" to me! We met during our J School days and had a wonderful friendship in the years following it. She introduced me to "her" Madison and what great adventure we had in those days! We hung out together enough that friends called us Lizzie A and Lizzie B. I'm so sorry that we lost touch when I moved to the East Coast. She was a special lady! Larry, I'm so sorry for your loss. Liz Allen Bailey, aka "Lizzie A" "

"Larry, we have lost track of each other since those years in the one room Prairie school, and life on our parents' farrms where we had to "juice the buffaloes" winter or not. Trust you are in our thoughts and prayers, and our best wishes that good memories help you through this stressful time. Tom and Pat Jonas, New Richmond, WI and right now in Miramar Beach, FL, where we are camping for three months"

"Larry -- I am SO sorry for your loss. I knew Liz for 20 to 25 years through both of our journalism careers. She was the first woman to help me at my very first radio station job when I was completely lost on what to do, and we stayed in contact since that time. My heart and prayers are with you and with the rest of your family. Barb Mulhern "