Obituary

Born Ann Louise Woodard in Marshalltown, Iowa on March 22, 1935, to Frances Raffety Woodard and Harold W. Woodard, she passed away after a reoccurrence of ovarian cancer on May 1, 2023. She was 88. Ann married Albert Lawrence Jennings on June 10, 1956. Together they lived in their home of 65 years on the north side of Des Moines and more recently moved to Brio of Johnston during the Covid Pandemic. 

During her senior year at Roosevelt High School, Ann started dating Albert Jennings. She attended Iowa State University where she was a member of Mortar Board. She went on to graduate with a BS in Textiles and Clothing from the College of Home Economics, and married Al the very next day.

As a Home Economist, Ann judged the foods and textiles divisions at the Iowa State Fair for the better part of two decades. She was the matriarch in the truest sense and a home maker, hosting many parties, making her famous toffee and caramel roll Christmas gifts, and teaching others how to cook and sew through 4-H and community education classes. 

Ann was a Master Gardener and cherished her rose gardens in the summer, took great pride in maintaining the lawn, and joyfully pointed out blossoms on her orchids in the winter. She was an early adopter of the computer, applying its use to many aspects of home and community, including serving as treasurer of her investment club Petticoat Mutual for nearly twenty years. 

She enjoyed sporting events and participating in tennis, snow skiing, sailing, and scuba diving for a significant part of her married life. An avid traveler, she felt lucky to have seen much of
the world. Ann was a longtime supporter of the Des Moines Playhouse and Civic Center. Both a philanthropist and volunteer, Living History Farms, the Des Moines Botanical Center and
Reiman Gardens were some of her favorites.

Loyal to her alma mater Iowa State University (‘56), she and Al were season ticket holders for football, men’s and women’s basketball teams, cheered at many Big 12 basketball
tournaments, and always active in alumni activities. They were also proud recipients of the Campanile Award. Forever a Cyclone!

Ann valued a good education. She made sacrifices and was very generous, providing for her grandchildren and scholarship recipients to obtain their college diplomas. 

Ann and Al dedicated much of their time and energy to nurturing and growing the now four- generation family business EFCO Corp. (formerly Economy Forms).  They traveled the world
visiting EFCO warehouses, offices, and jobsites spending time thanking and encouraging EFCO team members.  Ann frequently joked about being “married to EFCO”.  When the kids were young, family vacations often included a stop at EFCO warehouses.

In 2000, Ann and Al purchased a home at Lake Panorama.  This became their weekend sanctuary where they often entertained family and friends for a meal and boat tour.  Lake
boaters frequently pass by to enjoy their mermaid statues, fountains, and their landmark swan boat which even made a showing in Iowa State University’s VEISHEA parade.

All said, Ann’s family was her greatest pride and joy. She is survived by husband of over 66 years, Al. She leaves behind 4 children including John (Cristiane) of Orlando, FL, Bob (Janet) of Des Moines, IA and West Palm Beach, FL, Julie Walter (Dave) of Johnston, IA and Heidi Kluzak (Rick) of Taylors Falls, MN. 

Also survived by eleven grandchildren, April Maszy (Tony) of McKinney, TX, Tim (Karrie) of Orlando,FL and Aspen of Orlando, FL. Tom (Kaci) of Bettendorf, IA, and Dan (Courtney) of West Des Moines, IA. Scott Walter (Anne) of Des Moines, Steven Walter (Sarah) of Ames, IA, Eric Walter (Allie) of Johnston, IA, and EmmaGrace Stochl (Noah) of Spring Lake, NC. Peter Kluzak (Brittni) of Los Angeles, CA, and Simon Kluzak of Taylors Falls, MN. 

Ann had 16 great grandchildren, survived by Elizabeth and Alice Maszy of McKinney. London and Violet Jennings of Orlando. Emerson and Hensley Jennings of Bettendorf. Brooklyn and Rowe Jennings of West Des Moines. Mae, Eva, Boe, Emi and Lea Walter of Ames. Ruby and Emery Walter of Johnston. And Owen Stochl of Spring Lake, NC.

She is also survived by her brothers, Paul E. Woodard of Ankeny, IA and Thomas K. Woodard of New York, NY. Preceded in death by her parents and great grandson infant Leo Walter.

The family is grateful for the Brio of Johnston staff & caregivers, including Maureen who always did a dance for Ann upon entering her apartment. And is appreciative to Nancy and Don Jennings, and the many talented medical professionals who attended to Ann. If you wish, a donation in Ann’s name to The Mayo Clinic for Alzheimer’s Disease Research would be greatly appreciated.

Visitation at Dunn’s Funeral Home, Friday, May 12 th , 4-7pm.
Funeral Service at Dunn’s Funeral Home, Saturday, May 13 th , 10:30am followed by interment at Glendale Cemetery. Lunch to follow.

For those unable to attend the funeral will be livestreamed. A link will appear just prior to the service on Ann's obituary page at www.ilescares.com where you may also leave online condolences.

Arrangements made by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

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