McKenna, Ann Theresa (Courtney) 1923 - 2013

MCKENNA, COURTNEY, MCCAULEY, MCCREA, HETH, WARD, GOSSMAN, BUERGER, GIESBRECHT, SKRETTA, SELBERG, GERONIME, MAGNER, DONOVAN, FRAHM

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 8/12/2013 at 09:29:05

Ann McKenna age 90 of Decorah, Ia died on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at her home in Decorah.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2013 at the St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Decorah(307 West Main St.)with Rev. Phillip Gibbs presiding. Burial will be in St. Bridget's Catholic Cemetery, Bluffton, Ia.

Friends may call from 6:00 - 9:00 on Friday, August 9,2013 at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Ave. Decorah, Ia. and at the funeral home Saturday morning after 9:30

Ann Theresa (Courtney) McKenna,was born March 27, 1923, in Bluffton, Iowa to Terrance and Mabel (McCauley) Courtney. She grew up on a rural farm in Bluffton, Iowa where hand churning butter, collecting eggs for meals and tending to livestock cultivated the strong work ethic she passed on to her children. Soon after school, Ann met the man of her dreams, William McKenna, and the two were married May 29, 1939. Ann and William purchased a farm where they brought 19 amazing children into the world. The two spent their lives together raising their family, working on the farm and enjoying each other’s company until William’s death on December 20, 1973. Ann became the melody in the lives of those who loved her. She faced serious challenges, momentous loss and moments of great joy. Her ability to meet and rise above life’s challenges was a testament to her strength and character. Her husband, family, friends, and church provided the music to which she moved gracefully through life. Ann was blessed with many grandchildren and each will hold fond memories of her famous pinwheel cookies or her legendary turkey dressing that even had the boys asking for a cooking lesson. Or, her life lessons, which were: • See past all differences, and see each person for who they are beautiful, special people with the potential for greatness. • Wealth is defined first by relationships, family and close friends and lastly by money or possessions • Remember to always tell your family you love them

Ann is survived by her children Margaret (Bob) McCrea of Waterloo, IA, Mabel (Del) Heth of Cedar Falls, IA, Vincent (Julie) McKenna of Austin, TX, Donald (Joann) McKenna of Cedar Falls, IA, Donna (Kevin) Ward of San Antonio, TX, Mercedes (Roman) Gossman of Rose Creek, MN, Karen (LeAllen) Buerger of Monona, IA, Terry (Diane) McKenna of Mission, TX, Tom McKenna of McAllen, TX, David McKenna of McAllen, TX, Kathy (Rich) Giesbrecht, Cedar Falls, IA, William Jr. McKenna of Williamsburg, IA, Ann (Lucian) Skretta of Jefferson, WI, Laurie Selberg of Cedar Rapids, IA, Mary (Louis) Geronime of LeSeuer, MN, and daughter-in-laws Mary McKenna of Prosper, MN, Bethany McKenna of Ridgeway, IA. Sisters Bernadette (John) Magner of Decorah, IA, Mary (Pat) Donovan of Ridgeway, IA and sister-in-law Ila Courtney of Maple Plain, MN; also survived by 52 grandchildren, 94 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, William F. McKenna and four sons, Leo, Gerald, Patrick, and Gary; her parents Terrance and Mabel (McCauley) Courtney; grandson James McKenna, great-grandsons Aedan McKenna, Gabriel Frahm, and Kristopher Ward; three brothers, Parnell, Paul, and Peter Courtney.

Ann’s family would like to thank Iowa Hospice, Share-In-Care and the wonderful care givers for their loving care and support.

Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database

St. Bridget Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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