Ann M. Stiff

1945 - 2025

Edgerton/Fort Atkinson, WI - Ann (Slinde) Stiff

Edgerton / Fort Atkinson, WI-Ann Stiff, age 80, passed away on May 1, 2025 with her family by her side after living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer for nearly six years.

Ann was born on March 19, 1945 in Stoughton, Wisconsin to George and Lillian (Olson) Slinde. She grew up on her family's farm outside of Edgerton, Wisconsin and was an active member of Maple Grove 4-H throughout her childhood. She enjoyed showing animals and entering exhibits at the Stoughton Fair, the Dane County Fair, and the Rock County Fair. In 1960, she was honored to be princess of the Stoughton Fair. Ann was always proud of her farm heritage and demonstrated the work ethic she learned on the farm throughout her life.

Ann attended school in Edgerton and graduated from Edgerton High School in 1963. Many of her classmates became dear, life-long friends. She also met the love of her life, Howard "Howie" Stiff, during art class when the teacher seated Howie between Ann and her friend to prevent them from talking too much. After high school, Ann attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and in 1967, she graduated with a bachelor of education degree in kindergarten-primary education. As part of her degree program, she was able to return to her hometown of Edgerton to do her student teaching in kindergarten.

Ann and Howie married on April 12, 1968 at Central Lutheran Church in Edgerton. Shortly after, they moved to Fort Atkinson where they built the home they lived in for the rest of their lives. In 1978, they were blessed with one daughter, Andrea.

Ann taught kindergarten in the Edgerton School District for 39 years starting in the 1967-1968 school year and retiring after the 2005-2006 school year. Ann especially enjoyed creating art projects with her students, and she volunteered for many years at the Rock County Fair so her students' artwork could be part of the fair's education exhibit. During her career, Ann was honored to receive a Crystal Apple award as well as a national "Champions in Education" award. What she most treasured, however, was seeing former students grow and succeed in academics, athletics, and their careers. After Ann's retirement, she and Howie remained very active in the Edgerton School District-especially in the areas of arts and athletics-and in 2010, they were recognized for this dedication with a Golden Apple Award from the district. Teaching was more than a career for Ann; it was her true calling in life.

Throughout her life, Ann collected antiques-particularly primitive pine furniture, Scandinavian pieces, and Berlin stitcheries-and used these items to decorate her home. She also enjoyed changing her home's décor to match each season. Ann was an avid supporter of the Edgerton Tiders and Wisconsin Badgers and especially liked watching basketball, football, and volleyball. Ann loved taking family vacations to Door County each summer as well as many times in the fall. She also enjoyed baking and always had one or more treats to share at family gatherings or anytime someone came to visit her home. Ann was an active member of Central Lutheran Church in Edgerton. Most of all, Ann will be remembered for her warm smile, her wonderful laugh, her ability to connect with other people wherever she went, and her kindness.

Ann is survived by her dear daughter and son-in-law Andrea (Stiff) and Adam Woerpel; brother and sister-in-law Paul and Sue Slinde; and many special cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Howie; her parents George and Lillian Slinde; brother and sister-in-law Jim and Loretta Slinde; aunts Helen Olson, Florence Nelson, and Janet Olson; and uncle Bob Nelson.

Ann's family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, St. Mary's Health at Home in Janesville, and Skaalen Nursing and Rehabilitation for the compassionate care they provided during some of her most challenging times. We are also grateful beyond expression to Dr. Ryan Porter and the team of infusion nurses at SSM Health Fort Atkinson Clinic for providing exceptional medical care throughout Ann's cancer journey while also connecting with her on a personal level. We were also blessed by the countless phone calls, cards, and offers of support from family members, friends, and neighbors.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Central Lutheran Church, Edgerton with Pastor Jack Way officiating. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow with all food being provided by the family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15 at Albrecht Funeral Home, Edgerton from 5 PM to 7 PM and from 10 AM until the start of services at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Lutheran Church or the Edgerton Community Schools. www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com