Ann Gudenkauf

Ann Gudenkauf

Ryan

Ann Gudenkauf, 91, of Anamosa, formerly of Ryan, was called to her heavenly home while surrounded by her family on December 29, 2024. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 2, 2025, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Manchester. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ryan with visitation one hour prior to mass with the Reverend Gabrial Anderson officiating. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Ryan.

Ann was born on January 28, 1933, in Cascade, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Koob) Merfeld, where she shared a home with nine siblings. She attended school in Cascade and after graduating, she worked at a doctor’s office. While attending a dance, she met the love of her life, Gerald Gudenkauf. They were married and together they farmed and raised their family in rural Ryan. Ann was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ryan, American Legion Auxiliary and the Golden Country Club.

Ann had a deep faith, loving hands and a huge heart. She loved spending time with her family and had the biggest smile when they walked in the room. Cooking and baking were other favorites, and no one was known to leave without first enjoying one of her desserts. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing dresses for her daughters when they were little, and could mend or alter just about anything. Additionally, she enjoyed playing euchre at every family event. She was a true blessing and made a lasting imprint on many hearts.

Survivors include five children, Joann Metz of Williamsburg, Janice (Greg) Lawrence of Delhi, Karen (Dean) Lucas of Manchester, Marv Gudenkauf of Manchester, and Linda (Seth) Ringgenberg of Pleasant Hill, MO; nine grandchildren, Kellie (Nate) Byrd, Christine Metz, Brian (Brittany) Metz, Erin (Ryan) Dreessens, Ryan Lawrence, Nichole and Kristin Lucas, Michalea (Zach) Shanahan, and Makenna Ringgenberg; six great-grandchildren, Saylor, Barrett, and Gracen Metz, Jameson Dreessens, Kash Crockett, and Callum Shanahan; one brother, Allen (Beverly) Merfeld of Rockford, IL.; in-laws, Gladys Merfeld of Dubuque, Cheryl Merfeld of Garden Prairie, IL and Gerri Merfeld of Benton Harbor, MI.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Louie, Robert, Francis, and Carl (Peggy), and Joseph (Dolores “Dodie”) Merfeld; three sisters, Theresa (Ralph) Drew, Mary Margaret (Lawrence) Ahlers, and Rose (Earl) Oswald; two sons, John and Larry Gudenkauf; one granddaughter, Heather Lucas; son-in-law, Steve Metz.

The family would like to sincerely thank Above and Beyond Hospice of Anamosa for the tremendous care given to Ann.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family and will be donated to Above and Beyond Hospice, Anamosa.

Please share a memory of Ann at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.