A Memorial Mass for Elizabeth "Liz" Helene Yochum will be 11:00AM Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester officiated by Rev. Kevin Connolly.  Visitation will be held 5:00pm – 8:00pm Wednesday, August 15, 2012 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Liz was born in Rochester, MN, on April 6, 1953 to W. Wayne Ellison and Kathryn (Canfield) Ellison.  She died at home on Saturday, August 11th, after a heroic eleven year battle with cancer.

She was a 1971 graduate of Lourdes High School.  She retired from the Rochester Senior Center after 28 years as director of the dining program.  She dearly loved her job, however illness forced her retirement in 2008.

Liz is survived by her husband of 23 years, Michael Yochum, her mother, Kathryn (Ellison) Van Cuyk, her sons Andrew "Drew" (Randi) Nickelsen, Adam (Jayme) Nickelsen, her stepdaughters, Sarah Fox of Miamisburg, OH and Rachel Yochum of Tulsa, OK, her brother John (Diane) Ellison, her sister Judy (Chris) Canney, and six grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Ellison.

Liz was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan, animal lover and she loved to cook. She was a volunteer for Paws and Claws.

She was very proud to have been a recipient of The Healing Waters Project; a beautiful fountain dedicated to her courage.

Memorials are preferred to family.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com .