Anna Elizabeth Malmquist, of Shakopee, passed away much too soon at the age of 34. A gathering of family and friends is on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (833 South Marschall Road) in Shakopee. A Celebration of Life Service is held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 3:00 PM with visitation one-hour prior at Hosanna! Church (1690 Vierling Drive East) in Shakopee. Pallbearers for Anna are David Gummert, Mark Weatherman, Duane Judge, Erik Malmquist.
On January 4, 1983 Jim and Becky celebrated the birth of their beautiful daughter, Anna Elizabeth Hoepner. Anna was the middle of three children and loved growing up with her siblings, Justin and Sarah in Echo, Minnesota. Throughout school, Anna acted in plays, played saxophone in the marching band and was a pianist. Growing up in a small town gave Anna a strong sense of community that served her well throughout her life.
After graduating from Yellow Medicine East High School, Anna attended NDSU where she studied recreation management. During college, she worked at the YMCA. They loved her there and had a full-time position waiting for her when she graduated. She managed the skate park, rock climbing and was instrumental in coordinating Camp Koda. Anna loved her work and loved the people she met through work.
Anna was very active during college. She spent a lot of time at the gym and played on volleyball and softball leagues. It was through softball that she met the love of her life, Ryan Malmquist. Anna and Ryan hit it off immediately. Anna always had high standards and knew just what she wanted out of life and a partner, and she found that in Ryan. After three years of dating, Ryan and Anna exchanged wedding vows at Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo on September 5, 2009.
After their wedding, they settled in Shakopee, Minnesota. Ryan and Anna were the first couple to move into their neighborhood. Anna made certain the neighborhood was a great place for families. She coordinated Ladies Night Out, Neighborhood Bootcamp and countless other activities. It quickly became a neighborhood of friends.
During their marriage, Ryan and Anna were blessed with three wonderful children, Kensington (6), Ayla (3) and Jace (5 months). They were the light of Anna’s life. She was the best mom and would do anything for her kids. She instilled in them a strong faith, a love of the outdoors, and showed them the importance of family. Anna was always planning special events for the kids and truly provided them a happy home full of love.
Anna always lived life to the fullest. Anna loved to travel. She and Ryan took the kids on a family trip to Arizona every year. They also managed to travel together as a couple with their favorite destination being the Caribbean. Anna loved being outside, and enjoyed gardening with her mom. She liked biking, swimming and just spending time with her kids. Anna was always the one organizing get-togethers and keeping in touch with old friends. Everyone could count on Anna to keep the group together.
Memorial Day weekend, Anna was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She never once asked, “Why me?” Instead she continued living life to the fullest. She coordinated blood drives, encouraged others and shared her strong faith with friends and family. Even through her illness, Anna was an inspiration to others. On September 2, 2017, Anna passed away peacefully with her husband by her side.
She will be remembered always for her genuine love of others and her strong sense of community. Anna is survived by her husband, Ryan; children, Kensington, Ayla and Jace; parents: James (Carey) Hoepner and Rebecca (Dale) Feist; brother, Justin (Karen) Hoepner; sister, Sarah Arneson; step-brother, AC (Ashley) Magnuson; grandmother, Mabel Hoepner; other loving relatives, neighbors and friends.
Anna was greeted in Heaven by her grandparents, Harold Hopener and Don & Alice Hunt.
