Ann Elizabeth O’Connor

Ann Elizabeth O’Connor, age 81, of Preston, Minn., passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minn.

Ann was born on April 13, 1943, in Mazeppa, Minn., to Harry and Lillian (Sanders) LaVan, at their home.  Ann was raised on the family farm where she helped with the cows and growing vegetables.

Ann’s life was marked by her commitment to her faith and community. A regular at church, she participated in many activities, including the daily recitation of the rosary. She was a member of the ladies CCW group and served several years as their president.  Ann also taught Catechism for many years at her church.  Her passion extended into politics, where she was a lifelong Democrat, an election judge, and the first female township officer in Carimona Township. Ann’s career was diverse, including positions at Mayo Clinic, her mother-in-law’s restaurant The Rebound in Preston, cooking at Preston Care Center, and working at Gehling Auction Company.  She was also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary.

Family was the center of Ann’s world. Ann met James O’Connor at the Pla-Mor Ballroom on December 31, 1962. She married Jim on November 9, 1963, just shy of a year after they first met.  To this union, they welcomed their daughter Kelly into the world.

Ann’s hobbies included gardening, playing bingo, and hosting memorable 4th of July parties. Her love for her pets, especially cats, was immense, and her joy was most evident when surrounded by her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.  She was a proud breast cancer survivor.

Ann is survived by her daughter Kelly (Warren) Reinecke of Eyota, Minn., grandchildren Bridget (Brandon) Hammell of Chatfield, Minn., and Samuel Reinecke of Eyota, Minn.; and great-granddaughter Alice Hammell. She is also survived by her special nephew Camron (Jane) Loll of Marshfield, Wis., and their sons Bryce and Adam, brother Russell LaVan of Rosemont, Minn., sisters-in-law Betty LaVan and Linda LaVan, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband James in 2021, and siblings Shirley Loll, Nick LaVan, Earl LaVan, and Harry LaVan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at St. Columban Catholic Church in Preston, Minn., officiated by Father Edward McGrath. On Wednesday, August 28, recitation of the Rosary will begin at 3:30 p.m., and visitation follows from 4-7 p.m. at St. Columban Catholic Church. Ann will be laid to rest at St. Liguori Catholic Cemetery in rural Preston.

The family extends their gratitude to St. Mary’s Hospice, Chosen Valley Care Center, and Park Lane Estates for their compassionate care.

Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Preston, Minn., is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.