Ann Marie Menart (Strukel)

Ann Marie Menart (Strukel) was born to Anna and John Strukel on September 4, 1931, in Manistique, Michigan, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 14, 2025, at 3:24 in the afternoon. During her early years on this earth, Ann worked as a bookkeeper, did secretarial work and played the piano in a three-piece band which led her to meet the love of her life, John Menart, to whom she was married for 31 years until his death at the age of 54. Being the wife of John and the mother of her five children, John Menart Jr. (Sue), Marie Mascarenas (David deceased), Sister Rita Menart, Thomas Menart, and Deacon James Menart (Teresa), was the greatest joy of Ann’s life and the way she could best serve her Lord and bring souls to His kingdom. When Ann’s children became adults, she allowed each of them to fulfill their life’s purpose, while always being available to support them through the challenges of life. At this point in her life, she turned her sights to teaching the faith to the children of others and caring for the elderly. Ann was honored to bring the Body of Christ to senior citizens and prepared for mass at North Shore Estates in West Duluth. Ann expressed how good God was to give her this opportunity. The residents made her feel so appreciated and Ann said the volunteers were so wonderful at helping carry out this mission. Ann had much influence on the faith formation of countless children through the years as she taught religious education classes and later became the Director of Religious Education at St. Elizabeth Parish. Ann truly brought the word of God to countless people. For many years, Ann raised money for the unborn as she sold carnations at the Mother’s Day Masses. Ann also cared for her own elderly parents until their death and was often heard to say it was a “great honor” to do so. Even though all these things were her priority, she still found time to sing and travel with the Singing Slovenes.

Besides her children, Ann is survived by her grandchildren, Jackie Menart, David Mascarenas, Stephen Mascarenas, John Mascarenas, Mary Mascarenas, Matthew Mascarenas, Christina Mascarenas, Christopher Menart (Josephine), Michael Menart (Caylan), and Peter Menart (Annie). In addition to being preceded in death by her husband and mother and father, her two sisters, Polly Stojevich and Agnus Smith, have also gone to be with their God. Ann is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and faithful friends.

The family of Ann extends a special thank you to the staff on the 18th floor of Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center who tenderly and compassionately cared for Ann in her last days.

Ann will be dearly missed, but her examples of faith, service and love will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her. Rest in peace mom, grandma, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. May we all meet again in the glorious kingdom of Heaven!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 614 99th Ave, W. Duluth with a Visitation beginning at 10:00am. Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Superior. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555.