Ann Herdina

life story

A lifetime of Love!

Married 53 years and together for 63 years!!!

An Amazing Life!

Ann Marie Herdina (Rauenhorst) fit a lot into her 76 years. Born on September 6, 1944 in Willmar MN, she quickly learned how to take charge as the oldest of 10 kids. In the summer before 9th Grade, Ann met Stan for the first time, starting their lifelong journey of 63 years together. After receiving an Associates Degree, she worked as a Dental Hygienist in Denver CO, Dayton OH, Laramie WY and various locations in MN after returning to her hometown. Education and knowledge continued to be important to her. She loved reading a broad range of topics and was determined to earn her Bachelor’s Degree before any of her kids did. In her 50’s and feeling like she needed a mental challenge, she studied homeopathy and opened her own clinic part-time. Although she enjoyed an eclectic range of music that included classical, country western, rock, blues, jazz, gospel, folk, bluegrass, etc. – and jokingly called Harry Belafonte her “boyfriend”. Her family is thankful she introduced them to a wider world through the arts, travel and respecting other cultures. Ann and Stan used to load their kids into the car and take road trips across the USA to visit family and explore new things. They continued to travel with their grown children – exploring England, Ireland, the Azore Islands (Portugal), New Zealand and Cuba (a lifelong dream of hers). Unfortunately, passing on this love of travel meant long periods of not seeing her children as they travelled or lived other places. After Stan retired, they enjoyed the snowbird lifestyle. She loved spending summers in their passive solar house they designed and built themselves in the 1970s. They then avoided the cold winters by playing lots of card games with friends at a retirement complex in Tucson AZ. After a long battle with Parkinson’s, Ann passed away peacefully in the house she loved on May 28, 2021 in Olivia MN, surrounded by family. Her spirit will join her son, Neil Herdina, her parents George and Ruth Rauenhorst, her brothers Tony and Paul and sister Carol, her nephews Pat and Jason Rauenhorst and niece Jessi Rauenhorst. She is survived by her husband Stan, three daughters Erin Herdina (Minnetonka, MN), Nicole Herdina (Wellington, New Zealand) and Meaghan Herdina (a nomad currently based in Minnetonka, MN) and one granddaughter Hattie. Ann will be cremated as per her wishes. A publish Irish Wake (memorial) will be held at Max's Grill. As this is a party to celebrate Ann’s life, be sure to wear colorful outfits and bring stories to share – the more hilarious the better.

memorial service

Irish Wake

June 13, 2021

Max's Grill & Sheep Shedde Inn 2425 W Lincoln Ave, Olivia, MN 56277, USA

Please note the location of the Irish Wake (memorial) has changed to Max's Grill in Olivia. 3-7pm.

Please bring your stories of Ann to share!