Ann Smith Lund

On December 7, 2023, Dr. Ann Smith Lund passed away after a valiant 32-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ann graduated from Elgin High School (Illinois), and earned her undergraduate degree from Northeastern Illinois University, Master’s Degree from DePaul University and Doctorate from Northern Illinois University.

Ann was an educator, serving in many roles: Teacher, university instructor, curriculum director and principal. She was an accomplished grant writer, bringing several million dollars into her districts and schools, most directed to after school programming and early childhood education. She was a member of the Janesville Literacy Council, and the strategic planning committee for United Way. Additionally, Ann was a speaker and consultant on various topics, including strategic planning, poverty, communication, and learning styles. She was a delegate to China in early childhood education for the U.S. People to People Program. She and Jim were ambassadors to Argentina for the Janesville sister school. 

Ann’s Christian Faith was her mainstay. She was active in her church, serving as Sunday school teacher, superintendent of children’s programming, director of women’s ministries, and Bible study leader. When she and Jim moved to Minocqua, she became a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Woodruff. Her faith kept her strong, and she accepted God’s plan for her life, believing in John 3:16.

Ann had a wonderful family heritage including her parents Stanley Royce Smith and Ada Arlene Jones and four siblings: Joan, Elizabeth, Tom (Cathy) and Julie (Dave). She was married to Jim for 59 years. They have three children: Laura (Bob), Bruce (Brenda) and Brian; seven grandchildren: Erik (Elizabeth), Jackson (Katie), Kendall (Tanner), Nelson, Gretchen, Michael and Yana; and two great-grandchildren: Karter and Teddy.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Summer of 2024.