Ann Walser passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a brief battle with cancer, at the age of 91.

Ann was born to Margaret and F.J. Rutlin on April 29, 1935, in Watertown, Wis. She graduated from Stoughton High School in 1953 and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 1957. Ann dedicated her career to education, teaching in the Madison School District for 33 years until her retirement in 2000, and continuing to share her passion for teaching as a substitute for another 20 years.

On June 21, 1958, Ann married the love of her life, Richard Walser, and together they raised three sons: Eric, Kyle and Kent.

Ann was deeply involved in her community, contributing her time and heart to organizations such as West Middleton Lutheran Church, Delta Kappa Gamma, the board of First Lutheran Church, the Sons of Norway Vennelag Lodge in Mount Horeb, Pope Farm Conservancy, Dane County Parks, the Attic Angel Association, and serving as an ambassador for the City of Madison. Ann was also an avid gardener who spent countless hours in her yard, and she cherished traveling with friends and family. Known affectionately around Middleton as the "community grandma," she always had cookies ready for anyone who visited and was a constant, supportive presence on the sidelines at her grandchildren's and their friends' sporting events.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Russ; husband, Richard; and son, Eric. She is survived by her sons, Kyle (Michelle) and Kent (Krista); and grandchildren, Brook, Austin, Dillon, Collin and Madelyn.

Ann was a loyal Badgers fan, and the family invites everyone to wear their Badger red as they say goodbye to the matriarch of their family.

A funeral service will be held at WEST MIDDLETON LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3763 Pioneer Road, Verona, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, with a luncheon immediately following. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will take place at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH CEMETERY, 711 Pleasant View Road, Middleton, at 2 p.m. on Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church or West Middleton Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Ann Walser

April 29, 1935 - October 24, 2026

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