Lynne Breitenbach Larson passed away on August 6, 2025 after a prolonged illness. She was 73. In her early years, she loved animals and received an Associate Degree in Animal Technology in 1972 and went on to raise horses and care for injured animals. Lynne was also an exceptional artist, working with oil paints, wood carvings, or just turning any room she was living in into a work of art. She graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Art Education in 1977.

Lynne met the love her life, David, and were married in 1976. They continued their lives together for almost 49 years. During that time they discovered backpacking and spent 35 years traveling to many wilderness areas and climbing many of the highest mountains in the American west. Lynne also received a degree in Wildlife Science from Oregon State University in1993, and worked as a biologist and researcher for the Forest Service, Oregon State University, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Even after retirement, she continued to spend as much time as possible in the natural areas of Oregon and Wisconsin. Lynne also loved fishing, consistently bettering David in size of Northern Pike and Walleyes. Lynne was an avid birder, with her and David recording more than 500 species of birds in the U.S. Lynne was also an exceptional gardener and plant lover, filling her homes with house plants and providing exceptional veggies from her gardens.

In the end, Lynne wishes for all to become more aware of the wonderful natural world and to continue the fight for a more just and peaceful acceptance of all living things and their place on this fragile planet.

Last Update: Aug 13, 2025 7:05 am CDT