Elizabeth "Liz" M. Ascheman

Funeral services for Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Ascheman will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Federated Church in Morris with Reverend Matt Orendorff officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Herman.

Elizabeth Mary Sperr, was born on October 24, 1931, in Donnelly Township, Stevens County, Minnesota, to John and Lena (Wille) Sperr. Liz grew up on a farm near Donnelly and received her education through the 8th grade at District 69 Country School. She was confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Herman on April 6, 1952. In 1980, Liz transferred her membership to Federated Church in Morris. Following her schooling, Liz worked in various homes doing housework. On December 14, 1948, Liz was united in marriage to John Backman Jr. They made their home and farmed in the Herman, Johnson, and Donnelly areas. Liz also worked at Sunwood Inn and Fingerhut between 1971 and 1978. John passed away, along with their daughter, Joni, on July 4, 1973, in a drowning accident. Liz continued to live on the farm until December of 1974, when she and her children moved into Donnelly. On November 25, 1978, Liz was united in marriage to Richard Ascheman and moved to Morris in 1979. She started working at the University of Minnesota, Morris, in 1978 and retired after 19 years of work. Richard passed away on June 8, 1984. Liz continued to live in Morris until becoming a resident of West Wind Village where she lived until her death. 

Liz was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, the SCMC Hospital Auxiliary, the UMM Retirees Association, and the Federated Church Women’s Quilting Group. Liz had several hobbies, including: crocheting, yardwork, traveling, volunteering, watching the Minnesota Twins, and watching her grandchildren at their school sports and activities.

Liz died peacefully, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the West Wind Village in Morris; she was 92 years old. 

Liz is survived by her children: Alan (Karen) Backman of Morris, Douglas (Carol) Backman of Alberta, Steven (Cathy) Backman of Morris, Bradley (Jonna) Backman of Donnelly and Jon (Jackie) Backman of Morris; step-children: Jack (Joyce) Ascheman, Sue (Ron) Wevley, Bill (Patsy) Ascheman, Larry (Peggy) Ascheman, James (Barb) Ascheman and Mary (Gaylen) Greiner; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Edward Sperr of Cache, OK, Gayle Kallstrom of Great Falls, MT and Gloria Stein of Morris and sisters-in-law: Carol Sperr of Morris, Viola Sperr of Morris and Karen Sperr of Sartell. She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands: John and Richard; daughter, Joni Backman; grandson, Dustin Backman; brothers: Fred, John, Walter, Albert, Arland, and Leland; and sisters: Marjorie Armstrong and Mae Anderson. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to West Wind Village or Glacial Ridge Hospice.

Pedersen Funeral Home is in care of arrangements for Liz.