Ann Mary Wardecke (née Meinburg), age 87, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Ann was born on March 6, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the beloved only child of the late Harry and Eleanore Meinburg. On October 11, 1958, Ann married the love of her life, Robert “Bud” Wardecke. They first met at a dance hall, where Ann initially fell in love with Bud’s 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner convertible! She later realized it was the man she truly loved after he sold the car – just to be sure. Ann and Bud shared a deep passion for dancing, traveling in their camper alongside close friends, visiting spots with live music, and gathering around the table for card games, both on camping trips and at home. Together, they shared a deep and enduring love, building a lifetime of cherished memories and a bond that remained strong through the years. They were just days shy of celebrating 68 years of marriage.
Though she was raised a city girl in Milwaukee, Ann embraced a new chapter in 1966 when she and Bud moved to his family home farm. With unwavering dedication and hard work, she pitched right in with every aspect of farm life – milking cows, driving tractor, making hay, and caring for the animals. As the farm transitioned into beef cattle,
Ann and Bud worked side by side to establish and run a beef cutting and wrapping operation, demonstrating the strong work ethic and partnership that defined their life together.
In addition to her work on the farm, Ann served her community faithfully. She held positions as the Town of Brazeau Treasurer, secretary for the Town of Brazeau Sanitary Sewer District, and bookkeeper for a local doctor’s office in Pound. Giving back was second nature to Ann; she was proud to be a founding member of the Town of Brazeau Rescue Squad, always ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.
Above all, Ann was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, aunt, and a ear friend and neighbor. Those who knew Ann best will always remember that blue was her absolute favorite color, while green was famously (and firmly) at the very bottom of her list. For the past few years, her home was made even brighter by Opal, her cherished dog. Opal spent most of her days happily curled up on Ann’s lap, bringing her constant love and comfort. Fiercely protective of her canine companion, Ann would quickly come to Opal’s defense if anyone did something the pup didn’t like.
Ann is survived by her devoted husband, Robert “Bud” Wardecke; her three children: Barbara “Barb”(Andy) Dorn, David Wardecke (Steve Somlar), and Mary Wardecke; seven cherished grandchildren: Suann (Paul) Dombrowicki, Robin (Chris) Schmit, Sarah (Sean) Conway, Laura Wardecke (Mike Walters), Steven “Steve” Wendt (Shannon), Collin Luzinski, and Michael Luzinski (Tessa); and 16 precious great- grandchildren, including Alexis, Jessica (fiancé Ian), Drew, Carter, Taleah, Ryan, Liam, Quintyn, Evelyn, Henry, Eleanor, Vaeda, Jaece, Jonah, Myles, and Lathan.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Harry and Eleanore Meinburg, by her parents- in-law; Fred and Laura Wardecke, and by her daughter-in-law; Peggy Wardecke.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt special thanks to Patsy Grosse Kesler (Bud’s double cousin), who served as a dedicated caregiver to Ann several days a week over the past year. Having known Ann for over 50 years, Patsy brought comfort, joy, and deep familiarity to Ann’s life. Together, they spent precious hours cooking, working on puzzles, reminiscing, and building a bond as best of friends. The family is deeply grateful for Patsy’s love, care, and selfless giving.
A service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held on Monday, November 30, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1253 Co Rd. J, Little Suamico, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM with the funeral service to follow beginning at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall at the church.
Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home of Coleman is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com
