Annabelle E "Ann" Bignell
Annabelle E. “Ann” (Kralewski) Bignell, age 91 of Farmington, MN, formerly of Arkansaw, flew into the arms of our Lord, surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, September 24, 2012 in Hastings, MN. We lost a very loving and caring soul whom was Mom to everyone that knew her. She found the good in everyone.
Ann was born in the Town of Canton, rural Buffalo County on July 17, 1921 to Thomas and Zulia (Hoyt) Kralewski. In 1937 the family moved to the Porcupine area of where she attended Porcupine Country School. Ann lived most of her life in the Porcupine area, being a full-time mother and a farm wife. She worked for the Arkansaw School District until retirement and also taught CCD at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw for many years. In 2002, Ann moved to Farmington, MN to live with her daughter, Jean and family, where she remained the rest of her life.
Ann married Sherman Bignell Sr. and to this marriage 17 children where born. She is survived by her sons; Wallace (Mary) of Siren, Wayne (Karen) of Menomonie, Richard (Delrita) of Pepin, Sherman (Mischa) of Stroud, OK, Edwin (Donna) of Welch, MN, Bryan (Dianna) of Farmington, MN, and Kevin (Pat) of Pepin, daughters; Marie (Bob) Shafer of Menomonie, Nancy (Perry) Thompson of Altoona, Bernice (Rick) Clark of Arkansaw, Sharon (Greg) Leisgang of LaCrosse, Jane (Dave) Cowden of Hastings, MN and Jean (Larry Fauske) Larrabee of Farmington, MN, 40 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren, one brother; Leroy (Ruth) Kralewski of Arkansaw, two sisters; Viola Weissinger of Janesville and Genevieve Bignell of Downsville, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Sherman (1970), two sons; Lyman and Ronald (in infancy) Bignell, two daughters; Maryann Pease and Ilene Bignell (in infancy), sons-in-law; Richard Pease and Donald Schutts, grandchildren; Jason Ketchmark, Gary Pease, Dan Parrott, Jennifer Seeger, great grandchildren; Alisha Dickman and Quinton Bignell two brothers; Franics and Franklin Kralewski and one sister; Lucille Bignell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 29, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw. Rev. Paul Czerwonka will officiate. Burial will be in the Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery in Arkansaw. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Friday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.