Visitation will be Thursday July 5, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. at Ballard Sunder funeral home, Prior Lake and one hour prior to mass at church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Michael, Prior Lake. Father Tom Sieg will officiate. Anna Mae will be laid to rest at Saint Michael Catholic Cemetery, Prior Lake.
Anna Mae’s Life Story
Born on February 10, 1928 in St. Paul, MN, Earl and Catherine (Simpkins) Cates announced the birth of their daughter Anna Mae. She was the third oldest of seven children. She was raised on the family dairy farm and has fond memories of driving with her father in the milk truck on his daily route. She attended and graduated from Shakopee high school, where she was homecoming queen.
For many years Anna Mae and her mother made pies and bread as a fundraising effort for Assumption Seminary. From this, cooking became a lifelong enjoyment where she worked at the Franciscan retreat house and also at St. Michael’s Catholic school lunch program.
She was an artist at heart, enjoying acrylic and watercolor painting. Also, she enjoyed drawing, gardening, sewing, baking, dancing and going for long walks. She loved to tell a good story while sharing a cup of tea with family and friends. One of her fondest memories was traveling with her siblings and dad both to Ireland and England where they met many relatives. She enjoyed her Irish heritage and celebrating all the traditions. Anna Mae was a member of the VFW woman’s auxiliary.
Affectionately known as “Grandma Pink” by her grandchildren, Anna Mae died July 1, 2012 surrounded by her family. She will be remembered for her generosity, her good storytelling and her occasional sassy side.
She will be deeply missed by children, Colleen (Larry) Colbeck of Minnetonka, Dan (Donna) Ryan of Prior Lake, Mike Ryan of Prior Lake, Cathy (Joe) Goracke of Prior Lake, Kevin (Deb) Ryan of Prior Lake, Mary Jo (Ken) Thomas of Elko, Maureen (Tom) Norton of Prior Lake; Grandchildren, Joshua and Zachary Colbeck, Kim (Chris) McKinney, Meghann (Joe) Manders, Bradley (Ashley) Ryan, Cory (Roman) Goracke-Postle, Katie and Joey Goracke, Michael (Annya) Goracke, Derrick Ryan, Andy (Jodi Borchardt)Ryan, Jason and Jena Katzenberger, Nicole (Jason) Farley, Bethany (Joe) Connelly, Nate Thomas, Josh and Alanna Norton; 12 great grand children, Halie, Zachary, Claire, Anna Maria, Evan, Eric, Haden, Madison, Evan, Easton, Grady, and Ryan; siblings Kate (Duke) Schrader, Bill (Donna) Cates, Rosie Muelken, Jim (Pat) Cates, Larry (Betty) Cates; sister in law, Arlene Cates.
Anna Mae was preceded in death by former husband, Joseph (Bud) Ryan; parents, Earl and Catherine (Simpkins) Cates; brother Jack Cates; grandson, Chad Katzenberger.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters..
The Ryan family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake.
