Ann Tulloch

Ann Brennecke Tulloch - beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and community member - passed away peacefully in her Vadnais Heights, MN home on December 17th, after a three-month struggle with an aggressive metastatic cancer. She was 74 years old.

Born December 10th, 1945 in Marshalltown, IA, Ann was the first of the three children of Charles Earl Brennecke and Jean Annette Brennecke. Ann thrived in Marshalltown and formed many life-long friendships there.

Ann graduated from Southern Methodist University and later pursued a degree in physical therapy at the University of Iowa. Her next stop was Rochester, MN for employment at the Mayo Clinic. There, she met physician John Walter Tulloch, whom she married April 1, 1978. Soon after, Ann and John moved to St. Paul, where they had two sons, Robert and Andrew.

Ann believed that we find meaning in life through working with others in community. She saw needs that existed and spent much of her life strengthening the many communities she loved.

Through her son Robb, she became involved in Northeast Residence (NER), a non-profit that supports children and adults with developmental disabilities. She was on the NER board for many years and was instrumental in its development. She was also passionate about the needs in the mental health community and served on the board of People Incorporated, a provider of mental health services.

Ann was a faithful member of the House of Hope Presbyterian Church. She joined the church in 1981 and over the years served as deacon, elder, and head of trustees.

Oakwood Terrace was Ann and John’s home since 1986, another important community in Ann’s life. She formed dear friendships with her neighbors as they raised their families together. As a participant in Global Minnesota, Ann and John welcomed visitors from all over the world into their home to share a meal and offer a glimpse of American family life.

Those who knew Ann recognized her creative spirit and natural curiosity. She was an avid reader and would come alive when sharing with others the stories she read. She loved taking courses at the U of M through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. A favorite was the film course, which she took four times. Ann also learned by doing – through gardening, knitting, painting and traveling. Ann travelled extensively with church groups, family, and friends.

Ann was a deeply caring and generous person. Even in the toughest of times, she took comfort in the quote, “Joys can be found in the shadows cast by sorrows.”

Ann was predeceased by her father Charles Earl. In addition to her husband John and sons Robb and Andrew (Saeyoon), Ann is survived by her mother Jean, sister Cathy (Jeff) and brother Tom (Pam) and their children and grandchildren. Ann is also survived by her step-son John Stewart Tulloch (Megan) and their two children. A memorial service celebrating Ann’s life will be held at 2 PM January 3rd at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St.Paul, MN.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to Northeast Residence or People Incorporated.