Anne Germaine Koszarek

She was born to Nickolas and Katherine Talarczyk on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1920, in Antigo, WI. At a swim party at Moeller Lake, Anne was paired up by a random drawing to share her boxed lunch with her soon-to-be husband, Steve Koszarek. The 5’4”Anne married the 6’4” barrel-chested Steve on a sweltering hot day in July 1943. During the early years of their marriage, they lived in Menasha and then in Antigo. In 1955 they settled into their true home on the eastern shores of Lake George with the finest family memories originating in this special place.

Anne and Steve successfully raised nine spirited children whon grew into adults who would fill Anne with pride: Paula Koehler, Steve (Mary Rose) Koszarek, Phillip (Trudy) Koszarek, Fr. Robert Koszarek, Joanne (Thomas) Johnson, Kathleen Koszarek, Donald Koszarek, Mary Jo Koszarek (Andre’ Brissett) and Therese (Albert) Derbes.

Anne's most important roles, which she loved, were as wife and mother. She also worked as a cook at the Al-Gen Supper Club and at Rhinelander Catholic Central school. Throughout her life Anne volunteered her services for community and church work. After retirement she enjoyed countless hours volunteering at Headwaters Incorporated, for Special Olympics, and as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass and for the sick at the hospital. Anne treasured her friends and enjoyed her card club, her prayer group, and working the voting polls with her neighbors.

In 2005, many years after Steve had passed, Anne moved to Green Bay, living first at Bellevue Independent Living and then Bornemann’s Nursing Home. During this time she had the aid and comfort of her daughters who lived in Green Bay, Paula and Kathleen.

Anne was blessed with 12 wonderful grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Nothing brought more happiness during her later years then a visit from a grandchild or great-grandchild. Her heart could not have been filled with any more love and pride and joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Nativity of Our Lord ~ St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Robert Koszarek officiating. Burial will follow at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, February 10, 2013 at Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home from 3:00pm to 6:00pm with a prayer service at 5:30pm, also at the church Monday morning from 10:00am until the time of mass.

Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Headwaters Incorporated or Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Rhinelander are suggested. All are invited to sign Anne’s guestbook at hildebrand.com.