Hoffmann-Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Cremation Service
Ann Marie Kemen, 78, of Dubuque, passed away January 21, 2025 surrounded by family (She couldn't bear the thought of another 4 years with this yahoo).
Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory.
Ann was born in Berlin, Wisconsin, October 16, 1946, to Ervin and Dorothy (Roeske) Bahrke. Ann was a born Packer fan; it must have been printed on her Wisconsin birth certificate. While out on the town with a friend during college, she laid eyes on a tall, dark, handsome man that would sweep her off her feet. Envision the Jolly Green Giant with Sprout on his shoulder, years later they won many costume contests as the duo. They were smitten with one another and married November 2, 1968 and welcomed their son, Kevin, the following year. The two shared an amazing love story for more than 50 years.
As a young child, Ann knew that she was born to be a teacher. She earned her teaching degree in Oshkosh and not too long after, Ken and Ann were stationed in California where she continued to pursue teaching opportunities. While stationed in Missouri, Ann rallied with other military wives to create the first preschool program on base. The couple then moved to Dubuque, where Ann spent 24 years operating Humpty Dumpty Preschool out of their basement before retiring from education.
Ann, Ken, and Kevin, lived a life of adventure. Most of their adventures had to do with fast cars and motorcycles. Ann and Ken were founding members of a Corvette Club in Fort Leonard Wood as well as the Tristate Corvette Club. They were also original members of Abate of Iowa District 22, Custom Riders, and lifetime members of H.O.G. Through the years, Ken and Ann were able to visit 48 states via motorcycle.
While living life fast and taking chances was the norm for the family, neither were the cause of the unexpected death of her beloved son Kevin in 2017 or her Honey in 2019. Ann has, very bluntly, longed to be reunited with them as she fought through the effects of Cadasil over the last few years.
Left behind to cherish Ann's memory are her grandchildren: Calsey (Sarah) Streif and Mason (Teresa) Kemen; great grandchildren: Julia Bradley, Rhett Bradley, and Dean Kemen; siblings: Barb Struzynski, Jim Bahrke, Deb Bahrke; and numerous extended family and friends.
Ann is also preceded in death by her parents, her brother Steve Bahrke, and her "adopted" grandson Justin Shaffer and a welcome party of close friends and other relatives.
A special thank you to her dear friends, Ann and Tim Skemp, her caregiver, Chris Wand, as well as Hospice of Dubuque staff.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ann's memory.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting Ann's obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.
LINKS
Telegraph Herald
http://www.thonline.com
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