Ann Moeke

Ann Elaine Moeke, 65, of Mancelona, passed away at home August 1, 2013, surrounded by family and friends, after a 7 month battle with cancer. She was born on October 30, 1947 in Petoskey, MI to Dollie and Harold Weiser. Ann's smile, giving spirit and kindness touched all who knew her. She was known around town as the "cheerer upper" and her passing will leave a large hole in the spirit of Mancelona. Ann grew up in Mancelona and graduated from Mancelona High School in 1965. She attended Ferris State College then married her childhood sweetheart, Barry Moeke, on July 30, 1966. They had just reached 47 years of marriage two days before her passing. Ann was a full-time mother and homemaker until 1985 when she went to work running the office for the family sawmill business, Moeke Brothers Lumber. Her welcoming and friendly personality was evident by the constant flow of vendors, customers and employees into and out of the office, just to visit with Ann. Ann enjoyed cooking and baking on a daily basis. It filled her heart to fill other's bellies. Gardening was another one of her passions and she had a green thumb that could make any plant, flower or vegetable flourish. Her perennials can be found throughout many of her friends' and families' gardens. Ann was a life-time member of the Mancelona United Methodist Church where she enjoyed her role as Communion Steward for 40+ years. Her church family was an extension of her own family. Ann was an avid and loyal sports fan. On the top of her "favorites" list was cheering on the Mancelona Ironmen, the Detroit Tigers and the MSU Spartans. In March, she had the opportunity to root for the MSU men's basketball team from the front row of the Breslin Center and her smile never left her beautiful face that night! Raising her family gave Ann the most joy. She and Barry raised Amy, Mike and Pam in Mancelona, the same small town where they grew up. She knocked the motherhood role out of the park. She never missed an important milestone for any of her children, even as they entered adulthood. She taught her children the importance of hard work, family, friendship, unconditional love, unselfishness, generosity, strength, grace and faith. The greatest gift that Ann received in her life that sustained her most was her 8 grandchildren who she loved so completely. Their pictures graced her walls, refrigerator, wallet and heart. She frequently shared stories about each of them to others. Her legacy of love was passed on and will live through them. Ann is survived by her husband Barry; daughters, Amy (David) Derrer of Mancelona and Pamela (Robert) McIntosh of DeWitt; two brothers, Bill (Gloria) Weiser of Mancelona and Dan (Kim) Weiser of Sarasota, FL; mother in law Maureen Moeke of Traverse City; 8 grandchildren, Braedon and Drew Moeke, Wyatt, Kallie, Garrett and Cody Derrer, Annie and Tommy McIntosh; brother in law AJ (Judy) Moeke, brother in law George (Ginny) Moeke, and sister in law Mary Jo (Harv) Smith, as well as many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dollie Weiser; her son, Michael Moeke; her granddaughters, Kay Lynn and Ann Marie Derrer; and her nephew, John Moeke. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Monday, August 5, 2013 at the Mancelona High School gymnasium at 11 am with Pastor Todd Shafer officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Following the burial, the family invites you to the Mancelona High School Commons to continue in Celebrating Ann's Life with many desserts. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 4, 2013 from 5-8 pm at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mancelona United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 301, Mancelona, MI 49659 or to the Mancelona Sports Boosters, P.O. Box 739, Mancelona, MI 49659. Please sign Ann's guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com