Elizabeth "Lisa" Eleanor (Conrad) Zink

Elizabeth Eleanor Conrad Zink passed away November 9, 2015 at her home.

Lisa as she was known was born October 1, 1947 in Bloomington, Minnesota to Arthur and Eleanor Conrad.  She was very creative and got many of her talents from her parents as well as sharing a love and talents of art with her husband.  Her father was an amazing woodworker and her mother was an accomplished artist.  Lisa was married to Washington County’s Ron Zink who preceded her in death and lived for a number of years in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as in Hawaii.  She and Ron returned to Salem in 1969 and opened the famous Spoke and Sprocket bicycle shop at a location just south of Salem on Highway 60.  In 1971 they moved their business to the corner of North Main and Walnut where they expanded their shop to include gifts, posters, music, clothing, crafts and health food along with a great line of bicycles, parts and repair.  Their shop remained in business for 32 years.  While helping Ron at the shop she also went to school and achieved a certification as a medical assistant with the highest grades in her class.  Eventually Lisa left full time work at the store and went to work for Blue River Services caring for men who lived in the group home in Salem while still working part time at the store helping Ron sell their products.  A special time of her life was caring for the Blue River residents for 19 years until health problems required her retirement.  She always cared for those less fortunate as well as caring deeply for Nature and adopting numerous cats who were their close companions throughout both their deaths.

During their married life, Lisa and Ron were avid bicyclists and “wore out” the roads in Washington and Jackson and Harrison counties as well as taking a wonderful trip across Canada.  They were often engaged in conversation in their shop on a variety of topics from practical to spiritual and were responsible for so many young people and their folks taking up the healthful sport of cycling.  They also sponsored many rides in the county and contributed to various causes which came to them through their doors.

Lisa had close friends who she loved and helped all her years.  In her final years she was confined to a wheel chair due to an amputation except for the wonderful blessing of an artificial leg provided her by the great folks at The Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Care in New Albany.  Thank you Dr. Mike!!  Still striving until the last she went to the YMCA and walked on their treadmill up until just days before her final diagnosis.

Minnesota gave us a fine wife, sister and friend.  Lisa passed peacefully at her home with her cats and friends close on Monday, November 9 at 8:20 in the morning.