Zelda Rae Ahlborn

Zelda Rae Ahlborn, age 92, of Minocqua, died peacefully at home in the arms of her loving children on June 15, 2025. She was born to Raymond and Inga Johnson at St. Ann’s Hospital, La Crosse, WI. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Zelda graduated from La Crosse Central High School and received her two-year Rural Diploma from the State Teachers College in La Crosse. On August 8, 1954 she was united in marriage with Robert Warren Ahlborn at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, La Crosse. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in education from the Wisconsin State University in La Crosse in 1965. Zelda’s teaching career began in 1952 in a rural school in Dane County, Wisconsin. Three years of her career were spent at the Lac du Flambeau Elementary School and the last 31 years were at the Minocqua Hazlehurst Lake Tomahawk Elementary School. She retired in 1990. As a member of Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minocqua, she enjoyed serving on the church council, being a church education teacher and serving as a member of the Calvary Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Zelda was a retired life member of the National Education Association Council, Wisconsin Education Association Council and Wisconsin Retired Education Association. She was also a member of the Rhinelander Area Retired Educators. In thankfulness for the education that prepared her to succeed in the teaching profession, she held life memberships in the Central High Alumni Association and the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse Alumni Association. When retired, she enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Minocqua Museum. Zelda found happiness by accepting God’s gifts of faith, forgiveness and everlasting life. She treasured her family and friends. Zelda is survived by her daughter, Loranne Rae (Scott) Schmidt of Minocqua; son, Steven Robert of Minocqua; grandchildren, Lea Rayanne Mae (David) Batiste of Arbor Vitae and Jeffrey Scott Schmidt of Denver, Colorado; great-grandchildren, Trevor Eric and Lexi Kaylee Rae Morgan, Zariah Lynn Batiste, Allison Rae Gabin and Zelda’s namesake, Zelda Haebin Schmidt; and blessed with the addition of five bonus great-granddaughters with three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Zelda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert, her parents and a grandson, Eric James Schmidt. Graveside services will be held for the immediate family at the time of burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Woodruff, WI. Memorials may be given for God’s glory to Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, PO Box 63 Minocqua, WI 54548. Zelda wishes to leave these words, “Ashes to ashes…dust to dust.. Remember who you are-human, fallible and mortal. But remember also what God offers you- new life, new hope, a future, all gifts through the grace of the crucified Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”.

Zelda Rae Ahlborn

October 20, 1932 - June 15, 2025