It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that John announces the death of his loving wife, Annette B. Oellrich, age 86, of New Prague, who died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Annette was born on August 31, 1938, in Platteville, WI, to Ambrose and Adeline (Pickel) Brunton. She graduated from Livingston High School and met a young man at a dance in Rockville, WI and he was smitten! She married John H. Oellrich on October 6, 1955, in Platteville, WI. Annette was "mother extraordinaire", encouraging her children in whatever endeavor they chose to pursue, nurturing, caring and always supportive. She taught English to Iranians when John was stationed in Iran and the family lived there from 1973-75. She worked in retail for Maurice's and sold Home Interior. She was a dedicated president of Federated Women's Club in Rice Lake, WI and a cherished member of the Red Hat Club in Surprise, AZ.
Annette was talented and artistic, enjoying painting in oils and creating beautiful ceramic pieces. She was an avid reader, enjoying especially romance novels and soap operas. Songs by Frank Sinatra and Willie Nelson filled her home and she knew the lyrics to all! Despite a lifetime of pain from rheumatoid arthritis and the challenges of dementia for the past 14 years, Annette was always cheerful, never complained, and was always thankful and grateful. She left a legacy of grace, kindness, peace, and gentleness and will be sorely missed by her family and all who knew her.
Annette is survived by her husband, John of New Prague; children, Cindy Davenport of Farmington, Julia (Perry) Heins of Cameron, WI, Becky (Randy) Bacon of Lindstrom, MN, John (Chenn) Oellrich, Jr. of New Prague; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Sam (Colleen) Brunton of Austin, MN, Betty Dartch of Wisconsin Dells, Sandy Harcus of Cuba City, WI, Kathy Leahy of Rockton, IL, Mary (Jim) Gobrecht of Belmont, WI, Deborah Quinn of Roscoe, IL, Nancy (Steve) Weigel of Platteville, WI, Sue McKenna of Platteville, WI; her cherished furry companion, Toby. She is preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Ann Marie Oellrich; son-in-law, Dave Davenport; brother, Arthur Brunton.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Lydia-Zion United Methodist Church with Pastor Larry Kasten officiating. A Celebration of Life visitation will take place Thursday evening at Bruzek Funeral Home from 6-8 PM and a visitation at church Friday morning from 9:30-10:30. Lunch will follow the service at church and burial will occur at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at 1:30 Friday afternoon.
