Alexandra L. and David P. Ransburg
About Zan and Dave
Inducted into the Peoria Falcon Circle in the inaugural class of 2024, Alexandra L. and David P.* Ransburg, known to many as Zan and Dave, are two of the most significant philanthropic and civic leaders in modern Peoria history. Indianapolis natives who chose Peoria to build a business, raise their children, and make many friends, both Zan and Dave served in public elected and appointed office, on countless community boards, and emerged among the most respected philanthropic personalities in all of central Illinois.
Zan Ransburg, in addition to a career in civic service as an elected county board member of many non-profits, has served on the museum's president's advisory council since its inception.
A nationally known owner and chief executive of L.R. Nelson sprinkler manufacturer. He was elected mayor of Peoria from 2001-2005 after having served as a city council member and chairman of the Peoria Civic Center Authority.
Impact
The Museum Plaza is named for the Ransburg Family, including son David Ransburg Jr. and daughter Emily Ransburg Cittadine, both of whom serve as National Associates.
Zan is considered a guardian angel of the museum, giving generously to transform the Experience Gallery during the pandemic and providing the innovative "next level" idea for fund-raising that has led to more than a million dollars in new giving.
Perhaps most importantly, Zan generously funded the start-up of the Peoria Falcon Circle to recognize the most significant givers in museum history. Dave Ransburg was the founding board chair of the Peoria Riverfront Museum, presiding for four years over construction and the grand opening of the new building in 2012.
Dave passed away in 2017. Despite his debilitating decline, he visited the museum up to the very last opportunity. Always thinking ahead, his last words to the museum were about his desire to give his large silver kinetic sculpture, "Flowering" by Lin Emery to the museum's sculpture garden.
