Ann Carol Palmenberg, Ph.D

Ann Carol Palmenberg , Ph.D, of Madison, Wisconsin, and formerly of Nanuet, New York, passed away at her home on February 20, 2025, after a 13-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her sister and longtime research assistant. Born in Havre De Grace, Maryland on June 16, 1948, Ann graduated from Nanuet Senior High School, before earning her B.S. from St. Lawrence University. She later received her Ph.D, from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. 

Ann was a professor of virology and biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Professor Emeritus 2023-present of Biochemistry and Institute for Molecular Virology. Her journey started in Zurich, Switzerland for her post-doctoral work and she continued her work at the University of Wisconsin often traveling the world in support of her research. She has been recipient of multiple global and national awards in the field of virology. Ann was also very involved with both women's and men's sports teams at University of Wisconsin serving on the Athletic Board. She had extensive philanthropic endeavors as well. 

Ann loved nature. Her home garden was a retreat for her with raspberry and cherry harvests that she would then make into her signature jams. She was an excellent cook hosting parties for her work family and students. Ann was an avid New York Yankee fan and tried to attend games every year. She loved to relax in Cape Cod, Massachusetts during the summer, where she would read and watch the sea and discuss the science of tidal flats as well as life experiences always with a cold gin and tonic. 

She is predeceased by her parents Lida Faist Palmenberg and Edward Charles Palmenberg and her brother Bruce of whom she had many stories to share. She is survived by her brother Roger of Phoenix, Arizona and her sister Karen (Palmenberg) Liebert of Montgomery, Texas, as well as nephews and nieces. In addition to her family, Ann had an incredible work family who shared her passion for science and discovery. They frequently accompanied her to UW games, attended conferences with her, and provided support by visiting and helping her at home as needed. 

A celebration of Ann's life will take place in the spring. In keeping with Ann's philanthropic wishes, donations to UW Health! Carbone Cancer Center in Madison, Wisconsin can be made in her honor, or to the Ann Palmenberg Professorship In Virology Fund - Institute for Molecular Virology. 

To see more of Dr. Palmenberg's life achievements see: https://biochem.wisc.edu/people/palmenberg/ https://en.wikipedia.org>wiki>Ann_C_Palmenberg 

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