Mrs. Tara (Risius) Elsbury, age 61 of Appleton, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on August 21, 2020 at her home. A private family service was held. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Tara was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota on April 20, 1959. Tara was the daughter of Norman and Marvis (Flentje) Risius. Tara was baptized on the farm of her grandparents, Howard and Agnes Flentje, near Blue Earth, MN. Tara was confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church in Lake Mills, Iowa. Tara began school in Thompson, Iowa, before moving to Lake Mills, where she graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1977. After High School, Tara graduated from La' James School of Cosmetology in Mason City, Iowa. Tara also attended North Iowa Area Community College, graduating in 1998 where she was awarded an Associate in Arts degree and Associates of Science Degree with honors.

Tara was united in marriage to Robert Elsbury on August 20, 1994 in a simple service at East Park in Mason City, IA. The couple made their home in North Central Iowa before moving to Appleton, Wisconsin in 2013. Tara enjoyed spending time with and caring for her family, Bob and Mackensey. Tara was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.

Tara was a tomboy growing up and enjoyed catching bugs, bats and snakes so she could chase the neighborhood boys with them. Tara enjoyed many interests and hobbies that kept her active. She loved traveling and seeing new places and people. Her favorite destination was Sanibel Island, Florida where she could wander the beaches collecting shells all day. Tara also planned vacations around rock collecting and many times frequently returned home with many pounds of rocks she found interesting. Tara enjoyed cooking and trying out new recipes out on her family. Tara as an avid quilter, genealogist, photographer, knitter and did pysanky (egg decorating). She will be dearly missed, and her memory will be forever treasured by her family.

Tara is survived by her husband, Bob of 26 years and daughter Mackensey at home; her parents Norman and Marvis Risius, her sister Nila (Paul Woodworth) Risius, her mother- and father-in-law, Laura and Bill Elsbury; daughter Kristin (Aaron Patrick) Johnson; two stepchildren Shawn (Jillian) Elsbury and Jason (Amy) Elsbury; 13 grandchildren and five of their brothers and sisters she also considered grandchildren.