Ann Peterson-Meier

Ann Peterson-Meier, 72, passed away peacefully in Hospice care at Lakeshore Assisted Living with her family at her bedside on April 17, 2025. She received wonderful supportive care from both Lakeshore Assisted Living staff and Compassus Care staff.

Ann is survived by her daughter, Christine (Kurt) Niersel; siblings, Terri (Frank) Sterzen, Tony (Kathy) Hrabik, Jennifer Kainer, Mary Pat (David) Bayer, Tom (Lenelle) Hrabik; foster cousin, Rick Immler, Pam Immler; nieces and nephews; Andrew, Angie, Bill, Kirk, Josh, Jennifer, Jessica, Kelley, Eric, Maggie; great nieces and nephews, Norah, Arabella, August, Davian, Keenan, Jude, Claire, Hope, Sophie, and Grace. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Dean Hrabik and Pat Hrabik-Sebby, Bob Meier, and Caydean Bayer. 

She was born in Bessemer, Mich. on March 18, 1953 to Pat and Dean Hrabik, she was the second of six children raised on the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation. Ann attended Lac du Flambeau Elementary/Middle School and attended two years at St. Bede’s Catholic School in Eau Claire, then returning to graduate from Lakeland Union High School. She then went on to Eau Claire college to obtain a degree in special education. After teaching remedial reading and Ojibwa curriculum development, she obtained a masters degree in special education to work as a special education teacher until her retirement in 2011 at the Lac du Flambeau Public School. Ann was very passionate about her job and supporting her students in her classroom. She always made them a special treat on their birthday and made sure they felt well taken care of. Ann made close connections with parents and her fellow educators; she loved teaching children and helping them grow in all areas of life.

Ann married Scott Peterson from Sparta, in 1979 and settled in Manitowish Waters. They had a daughter, Christine Peterson (Niersel). She married Robert Meier on August 7, 2015. Robert preceded her in death on June of 2016. 

Ann was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for many years attending church with her grandmother and mother weekly. She had many friends from her work life and enjoyed spending time with them in companionship on Friday afternoons at SA Loons. Ann could get along with anyone and everyone; some of her favorite companions were: Ann Kubisiak, Izzie Carlton, Pete Hartzheim, Chip Wolf, Tom and Cassie Hollatz and many others. She enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, dancing, singing and putting on birthday party charades including the Blues Brothers, Sister Act, The Supremes, HeHaw and many others. Pretty sure the sisters invented lip syncing before it became popular. Everyone enjoyed a good laugh and the entertainment. 

Ann was her daughter’s number one fan, running from sport practices, games and eventually fun weekend trips at college filled with shopping, hotel stays and fun cocktails. 

She survived a brain aneurysm in 2010 and from then on has had many medical battles that she so graciously fought with grit and determination. Ann always bounced back to her cheerful and witty self, but now it was her time to be at peace, with no more pain. She will always be remembered for her positive, bubbly personality in her later years. All of her care staff shared that they loved caring for her, seeing her, and that she brightened their day. Everyone who knew Ann loved her and we will carry a piece of her in our hearts forever. 

A visitation will be held at Bolger Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Visitation will also be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Lac du Flambeau, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, April 25, with a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery in Lac du Flambeau. A small luncheon will be provided in the church basement following burial and all are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a scholarship that will be established with the Lac du Flambeau Public School. 

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, visit www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.