Ann Elizabeth Empey

ANN ELIZABETH EMPEY

April 18, 1954 - February 26, 2023

Ann Elizabeth Empey joined her almighty Father in heaven on Sunday, February 26^th.

Ann’s life was a story of love, with her gentle and devoted husband Dennis at the very center.  Childhood sweethearts from Door County who met through a shared a love of horses, they married in 1991 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and remained inseparable for the next 32 years.  Her union with Dennis included his sons Chad and Ryan, whom she cherished as their stepmom.

Second only to her love for family was her love for animals.  She volunteered at the Cerrillos Animal Shelter for abused horses in New Mexico, where she was both protector and benefactor.  At home, she was a “whisperer” for cats and dogs, many of which were “temperamental” at best.  Yet for her, they would roll over at the sound of her calming voice and touch of her open hand.  Her cherished kitties PK, Coco, and Dak could not have been more loved. Wild deer and turkeys…they knew her address and were frequent visitors as well.  Their backyard will never be the same.

Ann loved the water, too.  Being in the water, on the water, or around the water was a constant for her.  As a young girl, Ann was a member of the Sturgeon Bay swim team, as well as the synchronized swim team.  She became a prolific water skier and “Zip Sled”er and enjoyed lazy boat rides with family and friends.  In 2019, she and Dennis retired to Pewaukee, WI -- just a stone’s throw from the lake.

Our beloved Ann had an incredible giving spirit and creative soul.  There was never an occasion, happy or sad, that didn’t include flowers from Ann.  Or a Christmas when you couldn’t wait to see what Ann had packed and wrapped for you and your children.  Her decorating and gardening skills were legendary -- and God knows she had plenty of practice as she and Dennis moved frequently with his career (Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, California, New Mexico, North Dakota, Wisconsin).  She volunteered with Meals on Wheels for the homebound and in-need seniors, along with organizations committed to preventing child-trafficking and domestic abuse.  

Ann had a childlike wonder for Wisconsin winters.  She loved the snowflakes falling gently against her cheeks – like kisses from heaven.  As she leaves our world for His kingdom, we pray she finds everlasting peace and serenity.

Let it snow.

Ann’s proud legacy as follows:

Ann was born in Sheboygan, WI on Easter Sunday, April 18^th 1954.  She was forever “Bunny” to her loving parents, the late Richard and Marie Burkard and the eldest of their six children.

Ann is survived by her husband Dennis and her step children Chad (Annie) and Ryan (Carman), cousins Al and Judy Lorin, and grandchildren Jaxson and Teagan. Ann is further survived by five siblings:  Jeanne (Michael) Novak, Tony (Cathy) Burkard, Martha (Patrick) Lynch, Joseph (Dee Ann) Burkard, and Mary Margaret (Jonathan) Censky.

A private celebration of Ann’s life will be held by the family.