Ann Lea Elias, age 70 of Prior Lake passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 28, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 3rd at 11:00 with visitation two hours prior, both at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Pall bearers will be Taylor Wells, Tim Gallagher, Tom Gallagher, John Hess, Nicholas Hess, Brandon Hess, Tony Schmidt, and Kelly Thorsfeldt. Ann’s 10 grandchildren, Nadene, Jared, Logan, Breece, Baylee, Natalya, Kyle, Mandi, Kaelee and Chris will serve as honorary pallbearers. Ann will be laid to rest at St. Michael Cemetery. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Ann’s memory by the family.
Ann was born at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague, MN on February 11, 1947 to parents Richard and Dorothy (Cassellius) Hess. Growing up in Prior Lake with her siblings Mary, Rollie, Rita, Helen, Joe, Patti and James – Ann was known from an early age for her love of the lake, and for anything outdoors. Anything with the possible exception of weeding the garden! In school she excelled in English and Math, which made her the family historian, and although she never held a Driver’s License, she always knew her way around.
While attending a wedding in 1967, a mutual friend introduced Ann to the love of her life Jerry. Ann and Jerry were married on May 8, 1970 at St. Michael Church in Prior Lake, and together they raised 4 children, Renee, Glen, Heather and Kimberly. As a family they enjoyed some travel, quite a bit of camping and a lot of shopping! Among the fruits of Ann’s shopping are her extensive collections, some of which include Beanie Babies, Mickey Mouse and her beloved angels. Among her many other interests Ann enjoyed her cats, league bowling, trips to Duluth and to the cabin in Sturgeon Lake, Canterbury Downs, the Renaissance Festival and those Alabama concerts at the State Fair.
Ann’s greatest passion was always her family. She truly loved being a Mom and a Grandma. She loved all family get-togethers especially holidays and loved every minute she got to spend with each grandchild. Some would say Ann was stubborn at times, some would say “most of the time”. All would say she was non-judgmental, supportive, sweet, caring and above all, loving.
Left to honor Ann’s life is her husband Jerry; children, Renee (Mike) Woskie, Glen (Jodi) Elias, Heather (Taylor) Wells and Kimberly (Dave Sanfacon) Elias; grandchildren, Nadene, Jared, Logan, Breece, Baylee, Natalya, Kyle, Mandi, Kaelee and Chris; siblings, Mary (Dale) Mehus, Roland (Barb) Hess, Rita Gallagher, Helen Magnan, V. Joe (Penni) Hess and Patti (Steve) Schmidt; sister-in-law Lesa Hess; many other loving relatives and friends.
Ann is preceded in death and welcomed to heaven by her parents, Richard and Dorothy Hess; brother James Hess; brothers-in law, Robert Thorsfeldt, Joe Gallagher, Red Smith and Dan Magnan; nieces, Michele, Deena and Taylor.
Funeral arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake, MN.
