Ann Louise (Schafer) Serwe

Ann Louise Serwe (nee Schafer) was born December 9, 1929 in Milwaukee to Ben and Arline Schafer.  Growing up, Ann’s family lived on 63rd Avenue in West Allis, 70th St. in Wauwatosa, Grand Avenue in Hartford and eventually back to Milwaukee.

As an active youth, Ann broke her glasses often. Fearing her mother’s reaction, she always told her father who had them fixed so her mother never knew.

After graduating from West Division High School, Ann had “no intention” of attending college. Ann’s mother was a Gray Lady in the American Red Cross during World War II with Mrs. Heilman, who had a daughter that was to attend William Woods College. Ann soon was enrolled to attend William Woods in Missouri with Nancy Heilman in the fall of 1947. While she was there, Ann produced many ink and watercolor artworks, but never considered herself an artist. An instructor told her it was because she didn’t apply herself.

Returning to Milwaukee after college graduation with a liberal arts degree in 1949, Ann worked for the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA). Ann collected statistics of patients, which she found boring. She traveled by bus to the three VNA locations in Milwaukee and recorded information about current patients. The main office was at the old Chapman House on North Cass Street in Milwaukee.

The daughter of her mother’s friend setup a blind date for Ann with Ed Serwe. They attended a party at Roger Coons’ house and Ann found Ed “exciting.” Ann and Ed married September 16th, 1950 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Wauwatosa. A reception followed at the Wauwatosa Women’s Club.

Ann and Ed lived in four locations during their marriage. Their first home was on West Capitol Drive near Messmer High School. The second home was on Milwaukee Avenue in Wauwatosa in the same building that Liberace has once lived. The third home was on North 76th Street in Milwaukee, south of Capitol Drive. Ann and Ed built their forever home on the northwest side of Milwaukee in 1955, when the area was still farmland.

When it was gardening season, Ann could be found in her many flower gardens. The roses grew well and were incredible but those “darn rabbits” liked them too, despite what she did to protect them.                            

Four children were born to Ann and Ed: Joanne (Gerald Walters, Sr) Jeanne (Kevin Kelley), John and Jennifer (Scott Hoffland). The four children delighted Ann with 25 grandchildren: Jerry (Renee) Walters Jr, Theresa Broetzmann, Michelle (Kelvin) Porter, Jessica Walters, Holly (Fredrick) Botha, Genevieve (Eric) Stolhammer, Christel (Christopher) Bennett, Angela (Robert) Caruso, Joshua (Caseyanna) Walters Gabrielle Walters, Shane Kelley, Margo (Ryan) Kelley-Sexton, Kyle (Adam) Kelley-McCain, T.J. (Shaun) Hampton, Colleen Kelley, Ben (Dena) Serwe, Beth (MacKenzie) Laska, Matthew (Derek) Pacula, Mary Serwe, Melissa (Mark) Grafenauer, Ryan (Michelle) Hoffland, Becca (Kyle Kranzusch) Hoffland, Zach (Rachael Deshotel) Hoffland, Jordan Hoffland. In addition, there were  36 great-grandchildren  and three great-great-grandchildren.

While the kids were growing up, Ann held leadership positions in the PTA, was the annual room mom and Girl Scout cookie mom, and actively involved in the church activities at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. She also acted as social secretary for the many activities and events in which Ed was involved.

Ann was a proud member of the Joseph Marest Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her 3rd great grandfather oversaw the roads to watch for the British. His sons served in the American Revolution; one as a Sargent, one as a private, and one as bugle boy. Moving from Virginia to Indiana, Ann’s great grandfather was one of the four founders of Kokomo, Indiana.

Receiving awards for her high level of customer service, Ann worked in retail for 35 years. She began at Gimbels in Capitol Court and retired from Boston Store in Northridge.

Believing no one should go hungry in an affluent country, Ann’s passion was to help stock a local food pantry. For those wishing to honor her memory, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society Food Pantry at Blessed Savior Parish  https://www.blessedsaviorparish.org/outreach/svdp.cfm.

Ann rejoined Ed in eternal life on April 21, 2023. The fire she had lit up the sky and stayed in your heart. Her hugs were filled with deep love and joy and left you full of love even if only talking to her on the phone. While she will be missed, we are so happy she is at peace with the love of her life.

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