Lisa Stortz, passed away June 18, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Norma Stortz, and her sister Leslie.  She was the heart of her family, loved and cherished by her brothers Tom (Diane), Tim (Tammy) and Ted (Barb), and her sister Leila (Joe). She poured all her love into her 9 nieces and nephews, and 15 grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  Lisa will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives she touched. She lived a life overflowing with joy, kindness, and generosity; a constant reminder that life is meant to be celebrated. 

Being with Lisa was always an experience. Every time she walked through the door, it was like you had to put on your party pants, strap on your Energizer Bunny backpack, and open your spirit to joy and fun.  Everything she did showcased her creativity and imagination. She had a magical way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.  Whether it was a homemade Christmas activity with loads of glitter, an epic family reunion complete with Olympic teams and events, an Amazon cart filled with little surprises that made people feel seen, remembered and loved, a neighborhood happy hour, or a sibling road trip complete with matching T-shirts for each day, Lisa didn’t just show up, she elevated the moment. Her absence leaves a gaping hole in our hearts, but her spirit lives on in every laugh, every story, every act of kindness carried forward in her memory.

Lisa was famous in South Minneapolis, and her house was known as the Mpls Tulip House. Each spring hundreds of people lined up for blocks to view and admire her tulip garden, and little children especially enjoyed her squirrel tableaus. She truly loved her neighbors and her neighborhood.  It is said, “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy.  They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” (Marcel Proust) Lisa reminds us to stop saving joy for later as later is never promised.  A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation services were provided by Cremation Society of Minnesota.