Anna "Ann" M. Forret

Anna "Ann" Mae Forret (nee Dittmer), was called to her heavenly home on September 20, 2023, at the age of 94. Born on June 24, 1929, in the town of Lacona, Iowa, Ann was the embodiment of a faith-filled, loving, and spirited life.

Ann was the cherished daughter of the late Frances Endres and Roland Dittmer. Her journey through life was shared with her siblings: survived by Marcus Dittmer, preceded in death by Wilbert Dittmer, Rita Ceaser, Colleen Jensen, and Lawrence Dittmer. Ann was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Charles Forret and granddaughter, Allysa Marie Forret

The legacy of Ann's love is carried on by her cherished children: James (Anita) Forret, Valerie (Tim) Jaeger, Patti (Mark) Reikowski, and Mary (Don) Dugger. Blessed with the title of Grannie Annie, her love also blossomed in the lives of her grandchildren: Andrew (Sarah) Forret, Robert Jaeger, Michael Jaeger, Ashley (Chris) Waldron, Abbi (Jordan) Lau, Dan McGeary, Anna (Zach) Mariani. That love continues to grow in her great-grandchildren: Emma Forret, Hailey Waldron, Luke Waldron, Tanner Lau, Kendall Lau, Paisley Mariani, Brynn Mariani, and Rhett Mariani.

Ann attended St. Mary's Grade School in Rosemount, Iowa, and Valley High School in West Des Moines. A dedicated servant to her community, Ann worked at election voting polls in the city of Greenfield for many years. She worked at Community Newspapers for 37 years. During her time there, she wrote the “This is Your Opinion” column, which captured the thoughts of the community on topics of the day. But her most cherished role at the newspaper was writing obituaries, where she touched the lives of many by honoring their loved ones with her words.

She was actively involved in her home parish of Blessed Sacrament, dating back to 1956. Ann was a member of Blessed Sacrament’s Christian Women Service Organization, a harmonious voice in the choir, and assisted with the

weekly collection and counting of parishioner donations.

Her love for music was profound, covering everything from yodeling to country music as a young girl back in Iowa, to more than 20 years of studying guitar later in life.

Ann's life was a joyful symphony of love and service. She was also a woman of many interests and passions, from the magic of Christmas and the warmth of family vacations to the simple pleasure of birthdays and family 'name' days.

She was a seasoned traveler, with a dream to visit all the baseball stadiums the Milwaukee Brewers played, as well as all the National Parks. For several years she escaped the cold of Wisconsin winters to enjoy the serene beauty of Seagrove Beach, Florida, spending time with family members, as well as friends she made during her time there. Ann was an avid gardener, and a keen observer of current events and politics, starting each day with the morning newspaper and wrapping things up with the evening news.

Ann was a faith-filled woman, always putting God and her family at the center of her life. Her loving and thoughtful nature touched many lives. Ann's memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her legacy of love and faith

will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Blessed Sacrament or Padre Pio Foundation of America.