Ann J. Todtleben

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, MN  56001
(507) 388-2288

Ann J. Todtleben, beloved daughter, sister and aunt, died peacefully in her sleep at Pathstone Living after a long illness early on Thursday, October 5, 2017, in her hometown of Mankato.

A Celebration of Ann’s Life will be held 11:00 a.m., October 21, 2017, at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, with Pastor Michelle Hargrave officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Northview.  Private family burial will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Pathstone Living, Centenary United Methodist Church, or the donor’s choice.

The daughter of Carl and Yvonne Todtleben of Mankato, Ann was born in Mankato on December 18, 1956.  She graduated from Mankato West High School in 1975.  After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the University of Minnesota in 1979, Ann began her marketing career in Chicago with Sperry and Hutchison (S&H Green Stamps), later switching to Jim Beam Distillery and Quaker Oats. Recognizing the limitations of autoimmune arthritis, she attended night school at DePaul University, earning a Master’s in Education. She served urban Chicago as a middle school teacher for fifteen years. That she chose to switch careers mid-life, even as her long struggle with disease was progressing, was a testimony to her courage and determination.

Ann was known for her intelligence, mischievous wit, and frank speaking. Her views on people, current events and life in general were delivered with unhesitating verve and insight. Her middle school students in urban Chicago benefited from her wary eye, generosity and no-nonsense outlook on life, traits that are crucial for that age group. Ann's humor, undaunted spirit, clear-sightedness, and steadfast love of her nephews and nieces will long be remembered.

Ann is survived by her parents, Carl and Yvonne Todtleben of Mankato; sister, Joan (Dan) Collison of Hanover, NH; brothers, John (Cheryl) Todtleben of North Mankato and Jeff Todtleben of Rosemount, MN; and several nieces and nephews: Charlie, Caroline and Catherine Collison; Natalie and Olivia Todtleben; and Colin, Darin and Ryan Todtleben.

Ann was predeceased by grandparents, Minnie and Carl Todtleben of Red Oak, IA, and Willis and Jane York of Des Moines, IA.