Ann Marie Rokenbrodt

Ann Marie Urness was born September 3rd, 1947 in Faribault, Minnesota to Arthur and Edna Urness. She had six older brothers and one younger brother: Arlan, Donald, Mert, Glen, Jim, Gary, and Dennis. She grew up in Kenyon, MN. She lived there until she graduated from high school in 1965. She attended Rochester Jr College and Mankato State College, graduating with a degree in elementary education and a minor in library science in 1969. She worked as a school librarian in Lake Crystal and Byron, MN until taking up her favorite lifelong career as wife and mother.

On February 7th, 1968 she met and then married Harley Rokenbrodt on June 13th, 1970 in the Campus Lutheran Chapel in Mankato, MN. They lived in Lake Crystal, Byron, West Salem, LaCrosse, Winona, Duluth, Hales Corners, and finally Muskego. She was a businees owner for four years, selling sandals in Duluth. Kevin Elwood was born March 20th, 1973 in Lacrosse. Laura Ann was born April 19th, 1978 in Duluth.

In 1985, the family moved to Hales Corners, WI, where they joined Hales Corners Lutheran Church. Ann was a very active member and volunteer there. She loved to share her wonderful cooking and baking skills with everyone she met. She donated many meals to the Meals Ministry for church members. She was the supervisor and cook for the preschool program for six years. She volunteered as a tutor for the Lutheran school. She was very active in the HiTimers. She was a friendly, cheerful face, greeting many at the Saturday evening service.
Ann was already an accomplished cook in high school, winning the Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow Award. She was known for her krumkaga, lefse and wonderful chocolate chip cookies. She would spend the month of December baking gifts to shower family and friends with. Harley recalls the year he purchased forty quarts of whipping cream for all the batches of krumkaga!

Ann was delighted to become a grandmother to Hunter and Hayden Rokenbrodt and then Damian and Owen Padgett.

Ann was active in Bible study, weekly worship and many events at church. Her strong Christian faith was a witness to all who knew her. Her life modeled her faith. As her health battles grew, her faith strengthened.

Ann battled MS for thirty-one years but remained active and cheerful. She passed away on July 4th, 2018 at Frances House in South Milwaukee. She is survived by her husband, Harley; son Kevin (wife Nikki), daughter Laura (husband Mike Padgett); grandsons, Hunter and Hayden Rokenbrodt, and Damian and Owen Padgett; brothers Arlan, Mert (wife Jean), and Dennis (wife Linda); nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceeded in death by her parents, Art and Edna Urness, and her brothers, Donald, Glen, Jim, and Gary.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Hales Corners Lutheran Church, 12300 W. Janesville Road, from 10am to 12pm. Memorial service will be at noon with lunch to follow. If so desired in lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Hales Corners Lutheran Church or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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