- Born on: October 5, 1936
- Departed on: March 3, 2024
- Resided in: Iowa City, IA
Ann Christenson
Ann ‘showed up’ in my Analyzing the Small Community class. She did a graduate project but added much to the undergrad social work students’ ( and my) experience. She also introduced me to the Good Thunder Sunnies softball team and I wrote thank you’s for her Commissioner’s campaign. I didn’t know off her world travels —I’m so glad they brought her to the Midwest where she touched many lives.
I will always remember Ann as someone with a great heart. I will miss her and her kindness and her steady presence in the love of the grannies meetings and actions.
Ann “showed up” at the North Mankato Taylor Library (where I was director) to develop a community forum which lasted for years. She had a great sense of what topics were important in the world. Large crowds every month were a testament to her knack of pinpointing not only important topics, but ones that would generate interest and discussion. Ann taught me more than just to show up. Pay attention, become involved and do what you can to make a difference.
Ann was the first person I met when I joined 100 Grannies and the one I always wanted to sit next to at events we shared , She was such a comfort but also a strong mentor. I am grateful to have been her friend. My front yard peace pole is dedicated to Ann. This photo tells her story. I will show up. My condolences to John and her children. Tena Kapp
I met Ann through the 100Grannies organization. We went to a city council meeting together to promote bike lanes and zoning that allowed increased housing density, and she allowed me to become a member even though I was quite a bit younger than most of the other women at the time. That opened a door for me to get involved with a lot of amazing women who care deeply about the people and animals who live on our planet. I was out of town during the service and am sorry I was not able to attend. I am grateful for her spirit, activism, and compassion. She was an inspiration for me to have the courage to change what I can.
Our deepest condolences as I remember Anne as a remarkable woman from events we shared at the Grannies
I remember meeting Ann through another statewide activist organization in Des Moines many years ago. We reunited when my husband and I moved to Iowa City 10 years ago and I am so glad we did. She invited me to come to an informal granny meeting and the rest is history or should I say herstory. I'm delighted we had the common thread of wanting to "show up". Ann has been such an example for all of us grannies as well as the whole community . Her dedication and leadership was stellar. I will always remember her being so welcoming in her home to new and old members alike. I miss her immensely.
Sorry to hear this, Ann is a fond memory of my youth. Whether it was playing with Nate and Katie, and hearing the NPR news and classic music from John's stereo she was always there. From her showing us how to grind wheat to make bread, too those wonderful yogurt popsicles. Her memory remains alive. Thoughts and prayers to her family. Jon
We are sending our deepest sympathy wrapped in hugs to all of you. May your loving memories of Ann bring you peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time. John was my boss for 20 year at Traverse des Sioux Library System in Mankato, MN. I have very fond memories of all of you. God's Blessings, Rachel Snyder
Enjoyed Ann's sense of humor and her dedication to the Grannies, especially her work on writing the most recent Granny book.
Ann was my hero! Her campaign for county commissioner was extraordinary, in a rural, conservative area of Blue Earth County she came soooo close to beating the WASP, dumb opponent. She made a difference in Good Thunder, the elevator still sports are she championed.
