Walz orders flags at half-staff for Victoria firefighter who died of kidney cancer

Flags to fly at half-staff honoring firefighter

Flags will be flown at half-staff on Thursday at state buildings across Minnesota in honor of a Victoria firefighter who died last month after 16 years of service.

Laura Zumbusch-Wood, 44, died on July 27 following a 16-month battle with kidney cancer. In a social media post, Victoria Fire Chief Dave Shoger said she died peacefully and was surrounded by her loved ones, including her husband and son.

“Laura faced cancer the same way she lived—bravely, with humor, love, and unshakable resilience,” Shoger said. “She never complained. She just loved. She loved deeply and selflessly, and that love carried her—along with her incredible inner strength many months beyond what her doctors expected.”

In a proclamation ordering flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, Gov. Tim Walz praised Zumbusch-Wood’s dedication to her family and community.

“Firefighter Laura Zumbusch-Wood dedicated her life to caring for others, as a community leader, mother, and volunteer firefighter for the City of Victoria,” Walz said. “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.”

Zumbusch-Wood was known for her love of landscaping and gardening, and she had a hand in designing Victoria’s new fire station.

“She was a true artist, her canvas was the natural world, and her gift was creating spaces for others to experience peace and beauty,” Shoger said.

Zumbusch-Wood’s husband, Paul Farrell, said she was diagnosed with a type of cancer that recent studies have found to be more prevalent in firefighters, who are often exposed to carcinogens while on the job.

A private celebration of life is planned for Thursday evening.

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