Mary Annella Wallen-Zekich

Ann Wallen was born in Cylon, WI on May 31, 1928 and grew up in New Richmond, WI. She passed away peacefully on April 23, 2017 at the age of 88. Ann was a person of strong faith with everything she did influenced by her commitment to God. Prayer was very important to Ann. Anyone who knew her could tell faith was a central part of her life. She and her late husband Chuck spent 47 years together raising 6 children and serving others. Their journey together took them to Minnesota, Nebraska, California, Texas and Wisconsin where they made many friends. Over those many moves, Ann focused on supporting the needs of their family while Chuck pursued his career dreams. Once their kids were in school, Ann also had a successful career in marketing until she retired. One of their greatest pleasures was celebrating life successes with an evening of dinner and dancing. No matter where the family lived, Ann found a way to become an active leader in the church and community. Her service began at St. Benedicts College and continued through activities such as the PTA and Boy Scouts. Once retired, she and Chuck traveled more and enjoyed their 12 grandchildren. Following Chuck's passing in 1998 her energy and passion remained remarkable. In 2002, she received a service award from St. Alphonsus for her commitment to serving others such as the literacy center, prison ministry and feeding the hungry. Ann was blessed to meet Tony Zekich and remarried in August of 2003. They enjoyed traveling and volunteering together. Their marriage was cut short by illness, which took Tony in 2006. Ann embraced each day doing what she could to help others. In her last days her comments, greetings and smiles made it clear how much she enjoyed being surrounded by family. She welcomed her 6 children and 12 grandchildren to join her at St. Camillus, which has been her home for the last 8 years. The family would like to acknowledge the caring staff at St. Camillus for their wonderful care for our mother and our family. Loving mother of Charles (Gay), Steven (Tina), Greg (Lisa), Mary Ellen (Mike), Barry (Dona) and John (Tina). Proud grandmother of Kristin, Charles Matthew, Rachel, Benjamin, Andrew, Daniel, Sarah, Alexis, Kelsey, Blake, Alex and Katie. Further survived by nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation at Max A. Sass & Sons-Mission Hills Chapel on Thursday April 27 from 4-7PM followed by a Vigil at 7PM. Funeral Mass at ST. ALPHONSUS CATHOLIC CHURCH (6060 W. Loomis Rd., Greendale) on Friday April 28 at 10:30AM. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery on Saturday April 29 at 12PM in Hudson, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to the College of St. Benedict. Online donations may be sent to: www.givecsb.edu or phoned in to 800-648-3468 (ext. 3) or mailed to the following address: College of Saint Benedict Office of annual Giving, Suite 212 37 S. College Ave. Saint Joseph, MN 56374