Ann Manley

Sun Prairie/Portage/Venice, Florida

Ann "Annie" B. Manley age 79, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday December 8, 2018 at Tidewell Hospice House in Venice, Florida.
The first-born daughter of Walter and Charlotte (Smith) Barker, Ann was born May 8, 1939 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Soon after, the family moved to Baraboo, WI when her parents began work at the Badger Army Ammunition Plant.

During her childhood Ann developed a love for swimming which would last her entire life. Swimming across Devil's Lake was a favorite pastime for Ann and her friends growing up in Baraboo. Ann was an accomplished pianist, this provided her children with fond memories growing up, each having a certain song they hold close. Other qualities Ann possessed that her children appreciated was her unique handwriting, a hard-left handed slant and her joy in creating the most beautiful wrapped gifts befitting a place in Better Homes and Gardens.

Ann graduated from Baraboo High School in 1957, and her classmates to this day have maintained close contact, meeting regularly and recently celebrating their 61st class reunion. Ann attended Michigan State University.

Ann took great pride in her work when she served as the Chief Clerk of Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin including Madison, Eau Claire and LaCrosse. Frequent trips were made to Washington DC where Ann served on the Clerk's Advisory Board which determined budgets for the entire Federal Court system. During her career, Ann's colleagues stated she was a role model for women, when there were very few women role models.

Ann married Duane L. Manley on August 17, 1984. It was Duane that introduced Ann to Venice, Florida and her fondness for the area grew strong. He preceded her in death on July 30, 2000.

Upon her retirement, Ann spent her winters in a place very special to her heart, Venice Florida. As time went on Annie and Joel found themselves heading south sooner and staying longer. Walking the beach collecting seashells and sharks' teeth, swimming and lounging by the pool with a good book proved to be Annie's happy place. Many lasting friendships were made in Venice with wonderful people from all over the country.

Annie is survived by her loving and devoted life partner, Joel Hammermeister, Portage/Venice FL; Her children Cynthia (Robert) Moodie of Sun Prairie. Brian (Jane) Getschmann of Baraboo. Andrew Getschmann of Sun Prairie; Her grandchildren Cal (Tiffany) Getschmann, Samantha (Thomas Canton) Moodie, Robert (Van Gachnang) Moodie, Carly Getschmann, and great granddaughter Kaelynn Getschmann; Her sisters Jo Christianson of Madison and Susan Van Rixel of Pardeeville; nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Preceded in death by her parents, her husband Duane L. Manley, her brothers-in-law William Christianson and Gary Van Rixel, and her two special cats Lester and Toby.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Wisconsin Council for the Blind or Tidewell Hospice House in Venice, Florida.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (noon) on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, 702 North Street, Sun Prairie with a service to begin at 12:00 PM with Pastor Brad Mather presiding. Ann will be brought to her final place of rest by her husband, Duane, at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens following the church services.

"Although Ann was visually challenged for many years, she never let that stand in her way of enjoying life and all it had to offer."

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
608-837-9054