Ann Loken

March 21, 1935 - November 15, 2014

Mineral Point - Myrtle Rosanna Loken of Mineral Point, who many knew as "Ann," was reunited with her son Mark on his 51st birthday on Saturday, November 15, 2014. Ann was born on March 21, 1935, to Grace (Taft) and Loren Burton in Haney Township of Crawford County. Ann thoroughly enjoyed her childhood. Raised on the farm, her childhood days were filled with wandering the woods, riding the 'work' horses, and sharing time with her siblings and cousins. As her siblings would say, most of that wandering was usually in search of a new four-legged friend. Ann's love for the outdoors was equally matched for her love of any furry four-legged friend she could find. Following High School graduation from Seneca in 1952, Ann's independence began in Madison, WI. The city life of Madison was quite a contrast to Ann's rural upbringing. This time of her life included working at UW Hospital and exploring the city with her sister. It was in Madison that Ann met her future husband, Fred Loken, during a leave from the U.S. Navy. Ann and Fred were united in marriage on June 22, 1954. Ann & Fred celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this past June. They raised eight children and farmed most of their lives. The majority of their days were spent on a dairy, hog, and crop farm in Waldwick. Farming allowed Ann to spend her days outdoors. Though the chores were plenty and rest was seldom, she took solace in caring for the animals while being surrounded by her family. Working in the flower beds and vegetable garden often provided her some much needed alone time. Ann's other alone time joy was sitting down with a good book. However, this time was often cut short. Her warmth and shoulder were difficult to resist, and soon her kids would curl up next to her. Another of Ann's simple pleasures was walking in the woods to dig up some wildflowers, which she would bring home to add to her beautifully cared for flower beds. Ann often recounted stories of her 'younger days' when she came across a plant or flower that jogged a memory of her Crawford County days. Throughout the years, Ann also worked as a Nursing Assistant at the Darlington Hospital and later, at the Medical Care Facility of Dodgeville. Those shifts not only allowed Ann to display her amazing heart as she cared for the residents, but also to develop deep friendships with her co-workers. All eight children are in awe of how she could juggle those long hours plus her many chores and still make each child feel like the single, most important one. In addition to "Mom" household duties, she would make many extra trips to the school to deliver that forgotten assignment, library book, or uniform that had been left at home. As Mom, she was certainly her children's #1 FAN. The kitchen table was always the family gathering place as she easily prepared and served amazing Holiday meals. Those meals have always been followed by family stories of pranks, childhood shenanigans and good times. She would often smile softly and shake her head as she responded, "good thing I was too busy to know the half of what you guys were up to." Sometimes a quick look cleared the table as all quickly realized she didn't know about that particular escapade. As time passed and her children grew up, Ann's ability to be an amazing Mother-in-law and Grandma far surpassed her 'Motherly' talents. Ann opened her heart and warmly included her children's spouses into the family. She welcomed each as one of her own. Ann was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She took special pride in being a Grandma and, though she was never one to talk about herself, she would gladly share a picture or story about one of her grandchildren. A plaque given to Mom during her recent illness stated, "The only thing better than having you for a Mother is knowing my children have you as a Grandmother." The impact she had on her grandchildren was profound. To not include the neighbors, neighborhood kids, and her children's friends among Ann's long list of tributes would be remiss. Though the kitchen table may already be full with her own family around it, her motto was "there is always room for one more" as a neighbor would stop by for a cup of coffee or one of the kids' friends would join the meal. Last but certainly not least, is Ann's community. Mineral Point was her home for 50 years. She took great pride in being a 'Pointer' fan. Following the sale of the family farm in 1993, Ann and Fred moved to town. Being in town allowed her to visit the Public Library more frequently and indulge her love of reading. Ann volunteered for the Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed greeting visitors at the Mineral Point Railroad Museum. She was an election poll worker, Member and Treasurer of the American Legion Post 170 Ladies Auxiliary, and loved providing her incredible baked goods for Church Fall Suppers and Community Events. Ann is survived by her husband, Fred of Mineral Point; children, Cathleen (Tom) Reynolds of Cherry Valley, IL, Fredric of Mineral Point, Rebecca (Rick) Yasky of Seaford, VA, Steven of Annawa, IL, Jeffrey (Teresa) of Clayton, NC, Tamara (Dan) Engelke of Rewey, and Timothy of Mineral Point; grandchildren, Renae, Jamie, Carlee, Ashley, Samantha, Savaniah, Sabreena, Jeffrey, Alaina, Trevor, Danielle, Rheann, Brandon, and Tommie; great-grandchildren Kierah and Avayah; siblings Ken (Mary) Burton of Burlington, WI, Darlene Radel of Madison, WI, Betty (Witold) Launer of Mt. Prospect, IL; sisters-in-law Carol Martin and Iona Loken of Darlington, WI; cousins and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, many in-laws and her son Mark in 1991. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in Mineral Point on Saturday, November 22, 2014 with Pastor Rebecca Henke officiating. Burial continued... 1 2 Next ...continued will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Mineral Point. Friends and family may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2014 at the FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Previous 1 2