Ann K. Lulloff, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her husband and surrounded by family on February 12, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born on September 7, 1940, to Albert and Zita (Mc Donough) Keller in La Crosse, WI, Ann was raised with her younger siblings, Kathryn (“Sis”) and Albert (“Buzz”) in a family that valued education and hard work. The sport of tennis struck her fancy as a young girl in La Crosse and became a pursuit that fostered lifelong friendships, provided a venue for her competitive spirit, and served as a passion to share with family.
As a new University of Wisconsin graduate in medical technology (B.S. 1963), she worked in a research laboratory on campus and crossed paths with a young, eligible medical student named Rolf. Over several beers at a pub on State Street in the summer of 1963, a love match began. On a memorably hot and humid July 18, 1964 in LaCrosse, Ann and Rolf were married.
They welcomed three children, Susan, Sarah, and Andrew, as Rolf continued his education and training in Madison. After a two-year stint in the US Army at Fort Dix, NJ, they returned to Wisconsin, settling in Green Bay in 1974. There, Ann forged enduring friendships over tennis, the Parc de Langlade neighborhood, and her volunteer activities. She devoted many hours to community organizations including the Service League of Green Bay, Scholarships, Inc., the Green Bay Symphony Guild, Brown County Medical Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, PEO, and, more recently, Howe School, where she delighted in helping school children hone their reading skills. In 1987 she coached the St. Joseph Academy girls’ tennis team to a state championship title. Her years as a tennis coach were filled with laughs and fond memories.
Her support for her own children’s activities and education was unwavering, from horse shows to countless hours on the tennis courts and sidelines to late night phone calls when a boost of confidence or hard love was needed. She took great pride in her children’s accomplishments.
Ann and Rolf were a team in life. Ann, often called “Annie” by Rolf and her close friends, created a vibrant and comfortable home life that supported Rolf’s career and personal pursuits. She provided a listening ear and endless encouragement for his challenges at work. She was also known to scrutinize his choice of tie or socks with one eye open in the pre-dawn darkness as he got ready for work. Her love for brownies led to an annual brownie contest at his workplace that ensured a frequent flow of chocolate treats into their home.
Likewise, Rolf was never far from Annie’s side, showering her with compliments and appreciation that came directly from his heart. He helped her to find hope on gloomy days and to look forward to joyful travels together and time with family and friends. With each new challenge of her long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, Rolf would help Annie to forge a new path, shifting focus to new activities and ways of life that would bring her happiness and connect her with those she loved. Her grandchildren, whether near or far, were a constant source of joy for her. With Rolf’s help, she attended every soccer game, cross country meet, tennis meet, and piano recital she could. The resilience and graceful determination she displayed throughout her life will forever inspire her family.
Ann is survived by her husband, Rolf; her children Susan (Monty) Stanley, Sarah, and Andrew (Elizabeth); grandchildren Connor and Carter Stanley; Greta, Ingrid, and Claudia Schwiesow; and Heidi, Zita, and Walter Lulloff; her sister Kathryn (Neal) Tornblom and her brother Albert (Elizabeth) Keller; numerous nieces and nephews; Rolf’s extended family; and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her mother- and father-in-law, Jane and Harold Lulloff.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Daniel Koster, Dr. David Kaufman, Dr. Chris Van Saders, so many caregivers at Prevea, St. Mary’s, and St. Vincent, the Unity Hospice team, her devoted caregiver for the past 9+ years—Sally Ann Schuyler, and to countless friends, PEO sisters, neighbors, Union Congregation Church staff and members, and extended family for their care and concern over the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Ann’s memory may be made to the following nonprofit organizations: The Brain Center of Green Bay, 716 S. Madison St., Green Bay, WI, 54301; Birder Studio of Performing Arts, 801 Heritage Road, De Pere, WI, 54115; Howe Community Resource Center, 526 S. Monroe Ave, Green Bay, WI, 54301.
A private funeral service for the immediate family will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021. A celebration of Ann’s life will take place this summer when it is safer to gather. Proko-Wall Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at prokowall.com.