Ann Berek Chellman

Ann Berek Chellman died peacefully at home on August 27th surrounded by family. Ann was a master of wordsmithing, needleworking, and making all who loved her feel cherished. Whether she was sneaking a piece of foil-wrapped fudge into a knitted mitten or laughing over a shared memory, Ann knew each interaction in a relationship was a stitch that could strengthen it. She placed those stitches with expert precision. Ann’s love will continue to keep her family warm through the countless socks, mittens, hats, and quilts that she created over her 90 years.

Ann savored good books, witty wordplay, and crunchy crossword puzzles. You could grow a couple brain cells just having a conversation with her. In her last days, Ann described her life as the best book she’s ever read, and these last 10 years after her husband, Bill, passed were like the last few pages. She read and loved each paragraph, but once the words ran out, she would close the cover, hug the book to her chest, and say, “I loved this book, but I’m ready for it to end.” She had a way of making sense of the world, and her wisdom was a beacon that guided and will continue to guide those lucky enough to know her.

A favorite family photo shows two young, not-yet-lovebirds in a group of friends. Bill sits next to another girl, and Ann’s cherubic face hovers between them. You can just make out the faint circle Ann drew around her and Bill’s faces, because she knew, even then, that they were soulmates. From that faint circle through all their years, Ann’s determination and strength of spirit made her a matriarch to a large, loud, and loving family. But it’s Ann and Bill’s love for each other that their children and grandchildren use as the foundation of the family’s unity and strength.

It wasn’t a Shakespearan love, but it was a love that held hands tightly as they hiked up rocky mountain roads. A love that held hands over coffee in the morning and falling asleep every night. A love that held hands through every up and down, and Ann’s family is at peace knowing Ann and Bill are holding hands once again. 

Ann is survived by twenty grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, and her children Janet Finedore, Nancy Kjelman-Ryles, Maren (Joe) Rubino, Eric Chellman, Ole (Marcia) Chellman, Margie (Randy) Sherman, Ann Chellman, and Jen (Sean) Fitzgerald. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, William Robert Chellman and son, William Owen “Butch” Chellman. At her request, a Celebration of Life will be held at the family property in Rhinelander, WI, next summer.

“In death, we are not defined by what we did or who we were, but by what we meant to each other, how well we loved and were loved in return.” Allison Pearson