Anna L. Krismanits (October 04, 1934 - August 26, 2023)

In loving memory of
Anna L. Krismanits
  • October 04, 1934
  • -
  • August 26, 2023

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Obituary

Anna L. Krismanits (88) reunited with her loved ones who died before her, on August 26, 2023. She crossed over peacefully in her sleep, as she had always hoped she would.

Born in Gross-Wittensee, Germany shortly before WWII, Ann endured the atrocity of war as a child. She grew up in a landmark, thatch-roofed, 300-year-old country house with attached barn, fields aplenty to work, and milk-cows to tend before and after school.

As a teenager she loved to dance, and fell in love with the impeccable dancer, Theodor Brodersen, from the nearby village of Schönhagen. When she turned twenty, she and Ted made their way to “America–the land of opportunity,” got married, and started a family in Davenport, Iowa.

 

On the boat to America – the land of opportunity.

“No, they’re not twins, they’re eleven months apart…”

With her support, Ted advanced into middle-class prosperity, but his untimely death from cancer in 1972 drew on Ann’s book-keeping talent and resourcefulness to survive.

A few years later, the widowed single mother of two teenagers, found new love with widower, Josef Krismanits. Ann taught Joe to dance, and soon, they wed into a partnership spanning four decades, which took them to a new home and career in Pasadena, CA, and finally into retirement, at Pine Lakes Country Club in N. Fort Myers, FL.


Enjoying life with Joe and her sister, Elenor.

Oh, how she raved about life at Pine Lakes. She’d lounge at the pool daily for chit-chat, bicycle along the pines and lakes with Joe, and partake in the many dances at the clubhouse and local Austrian club.

In partnership, they explored the nearby everglades, keys, and beaches, embarked regularly on road-trips across the U.S. to visit friends and family in California and Chicago, and hiked a multitude of the national parks North, South, East, and West along the way. She and Joe craved travel, and had many European and tropical island adventures, together.

A natural decorator and hostess, with a love of themes, Ann threw the best parties and brought communities together in friendship wherever she lived. She often accepted guest-visitors into her home, generously prepared feasts, and encouraged them to enjoy the nearby attractions.

A strong and committed woman, she cared for Ted as he fought cancer early in her adulthood. Then, in later life she astutely cared for Joe as he declined deeper into dementia, for nine years until he crossed over in 2015.

Forever a sharp-minded flirt, just last week, as Ann enjoyed a few pictures of great-grandchildren Luke (kindergarten) and Owen (first grade), her eyes twinkled and she said, “They’re growing so fast; they’ll be getting married soon!”

Ann is most closely survived by her son, John Brodersen, his wife Susan, and their children Matthew (wife Tiffany, sons Owen and Luke) and Ellie (husband Rick Krause). Her daughter, Nancy Brodersen and her child, Marianne (husband David Keller, son Charles). Her sister Elenor’s children, Marianne Simon and Richard Bock, Richard’s wife, Bryna and their daughter Jade.

As per her wishes, Ann’s ashes rest with her first husband, Ted, at Oakdale Cemetery, in Davenport, IA, and maybe a smidgeon here and there, in some of her favorite places along the way. John and Nancy honored her with a private family graveside memorial in September.

In lieu of sending flowers, please buy yourself some wild flowers, or better yet, daisies (in German, die Margerite, her mother’s name) which she absolutely adored. Then think of her and all the wonderful memories you’ve shared, as you enjoy the beautiful blossoms in your home.

 

 

 

 


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