Ann Jeanette (Wilson) Van Auken

Ann Jeanette Van Auken, age 79, of Fruitland, peacefully joined her soulmate and love of her life husband, Mark L. Van Auken and other relatives on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine.  Private services and interment will be held at Indian Creek Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials may be directed to the Fruitland Fire and Rescue in Ann’s name. Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Muscatine is caring for Ann’s family and arrangements.

Ann Jeanette Van Auken was born November 15, 1946, to Fred Wilson Jr. and Jeanette Catherine (Wells) Wilson at Burlington, Iowa hospital.  This was also her parent’s fourth wedding anniversary.  She grew up a simple farm girl with a deep love of God, never wanting much.  Ann attended school in Yarmouth, Mediapolis, Winfield and Letts, Iowa.  She graduated in 1964 from Louisa Muscatine High School.  In 1966, she graduated from Muscatine Community College with an AA in Education, then completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Jr. High Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 1968.

Ann worked at Grain Processing Corp during college.  She married Mark LeRoy Van Auken on August 15, 1969, in Grandview, Iowa.  Taught at Franklin Elementary one year and realized she did not like teaching.  Later worked at various customer service jobs in Muscatine, Rock Island and Davenport, retiring from Menasha Packaging in 2011.  She was a member of the Island Methodist Church and cherished her children and grandchildren.

Ann will be deeply missed by her sons, Jonathan Mark and Jason Michael Van Auken; grandchildren; Annabelle Barbara and boyfriend, Jacob and Braedyn Matthew Van Auken; special little one, Caden Kahl; brother, Fred (Pat) Wilson, III of Arizonia; sister, Cathy (Craig) Stelzner of Missouri; several nieces and nephews and their families; uncle, Richard Wells of Burlington; aunt, Marge (Lee) Cline of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Pat and Fredricka of Iowa, Patty and Elizabeth of Washington State; nieces and nephews and special friends, Carolyn, Cindy, Sheri, Becky and Joan.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Mark on January 15, 2022; parents, Fred and Jeanette Catherine (Wells) Wilson, Jr.; in-laws, Howard and Fern Van Auken; brothers and sisters-in-law, Burton Van Auken, Charles Van Auken, Billy (Betty Jo) Van Auken, James (Betty R.) Van Auken and Paul (Edna Mae) Powers.

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