Roberta Zurn (May 13, 1917 to December 13, 2003) was an extraordinary philanthropist whose legacy lives on through Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse and the Roberta Zurn Outstanding Women in Leadership Award. Roberta attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse and the University of Minnesota, where she received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Roberta Zurn had a love for children and taught elementary school for 32 years. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Retired Teachers of Wisconsin and Minnesota, the County Historical Society, Friends of the Public Library, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and a member of First Presbyterian Church. She was a dedicated volunteer who served others.

In that spirit, Women’s Fund honors her memory by awarding The Roberta Zurn Outstanding Women in Leadership Grant to women in our community who have encouraged the advancement of women and girls.

Recipients are awarded a $1,000 grant. $500 is to be donated to the charity of her choice and $500 to be used for personal development. The winner may also choose to give the entire award to charity.