Ann Wendler

ANN WENDLER

Lisbon

Ann Leslie Wendler, 56, of Lisbon, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in her home. Celebration of life services will be at noon Monday, Nov. 21, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mechanicsville. Visitation will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at the church. A celebration gathering will be from 2 to 5 p.m. at Regal Crown Reception Center in Lisbon. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids is caring for Ann's family.

Ann was born Feb. 19, 1960, in Lancaster, Wis., the daughter of Burton and Mary (Palmer) Bloch. She graduated from Lancaster High School.

Ann earned a double major in accounting and business management from Mount Mercy College. Ann was united in marriage to Scott Wendler on June 19, 1982, in Lancaster.

Ann spent over 20 years working at Lisbon School. Her love and compassion for children shined as she worked with students dealing with special needs. No matter the struggles, she helped them to learn and grow with a smile on her face. After over 20 years, she made a hard decision to retire and spent her last years doing exactly what she wanted.

Alongside her devoted husband, they continued to spend the best days of her life building the farm, watching her children flourish and loving her grandchildren unconditionally. Visiting and spending time with her family were among the most important parts of her life. She loved being with the people that meant the most to her. She was the heartbeat of the family and the person that everyone came to when they needed a talk, a hug or tough love. She always was the voice of reason and the warm hug to make her loved ones feel better.

Over the past five years, her happiness continued to grow as grandchildren entered her life. She loved being "Grams" more than anything! Her passion and skills for refinishing furniture came alive during this time. When they built a new garage, a room was build for her shop. We all know this is her "happy place." She would spend hours and hours sanding, painting, creating and rejuvenating old pieces of "junk" and turning them into masterpieces. Another of her favorite times was the annual trip south she took with Scott. Every spring they would head to the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana for some rest and relaxation. This was their time to decompress, set stresses aside and simply enjoy each other's company. Her compassion and energy allowed her to be the rock, which guided the success of the family and farm through both good times and bad. This will continue to be the strength her family will carry on.

Ann is survived by her husband, Scott; three children, Dan Wendler of Peosta, David (Cassie) Wendler of Lisbon and Sarah Wendler of Minneapolis; three grandchildren, Audrey, Payton and Hazel; her parents, Dr. G.B. and Mary Bloch of Green Lake, Wis.; her siblings, Debbie Bloch, Tia Heitke, Jeff Bloch, Tim Bloch, Mimi Walton, Leslie Gearing, Kelly Snider and Jon Bloch; as well as her nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in her name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.