By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - August 21, 2025

Beginning at sunrise through sunset on August 21, 2025, US and Minnesota flags at state buildings were ordered to be flown at half-staff in honor of Victoria Fire Department firefighter Laura Zumbusch-Wood. A statement from the Victoria Fire Department on Facebook said Zumbusch Wood passed away after a 16-month journey with kidney cancer.

According to Victoria Fire Department Chief Dave Shoger, Laura was a dedicated member of the Victoria community, serving as a firefighter for 16 years. She was known for her dedication and played an integral role in many of the department's safety initiatives, including leading station tours, teaching hands-on CPR classes, and organizing open houses. She also contributed to the design of the City of Victoria's new fire station.

In addition to her fire service, Zumbusch-Wood was a business owner who ran a landscaping company and a garden store. Her passion for the outdoors and art was noted by Chief Shoger, who described her as a "true artist" whose "canvas was the natural world." She is survived by her husband, Paul, and her son, Zachary, who is also a firefighter.

In a statement, Governor Walz said, “Firefighter Laura Zumbusch-Wood dedicated her life to caring for others, as a community leader, mother, and volunteer firefighter for the City of Victoria. Her service, strength, and spirit touched the lives of many. I extend my deepest condolences to her husband, Paul, her son Zachary, her family, her fellow firefighters, and everyone who knew and loved her.”