Adeline Victoria Ann Witthoft, 78

Adeline Victoria Pulczinski was born August 3, 1942 in Roseau, Minnesota, and entered eternal life on May 28, 2021, in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Her parents, Peter and Amelia Pulczinski, had a mutual affection for families and friends which gave Adeline a strong foundation. She enjoyed growing up on the farm with her two older sisters, Carol and Wanda, as companions and playmates. Summers were busy, content years on the farm with time to read and enjoy the life lessons that farm life offered. Country school in grades 1-8 were followed by attendance at Greenbush Public Schools where Adeline played the trombone in the band. After graduation in 1960, Adeline studied at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. A special memory of her college days was when President Kennedy came to Duluth, and Ann was a member of the UMD marching band that played during his visit. Ann began her employment in Chicago, Illinois, advancing to an Administrative Budget Analyst position by age 25. She met the “love of her life,” Charles Witthoft, and married him on July 12, 1969. The couple honeymooned in New Orleans, and viewed on television the global highlights of the first moon landing. Ann and Charlie were married almost 52 years. In the late 1970’s, Ann left the business world in favor of home issues – repairing, decorating, remodeling, landscaping and gardening as well as designing an addition to their Oak Lawn, Illinois home. Not only was Ann skilled at outdoor work, she was also a wonderful cook and baker. Family members and friends enjoyed “feasting” at their home, especially on holidays. Apple pie was Ann’s specialty – well-known and enjoyed by many. Basic car maintenance was a shared hobby. But by 1996, their 30-year-old Chevy, Betsy, needed Ann’s repair and Maaco to paint her for the 6th time. The chosen color was a Pepto/Bismol, brilliant pink. A photo of the car was submitted to ABC TV and shown on Christmas Eve on “I Love My Car,” and reran again on the show in January 1997, being renamed “The Car of the Year.” Ann and Charlie were also horseracing fans; and in 1972, Ann picked Secretariat, a thoroughbred colt who won the 1973 Triple Crown. Ann learned to provide geriatric care for a disabled and diabetic relative who lived with them for several years. This knowledge was useful for Ann, who later cared 5 years for her loved, diabetic sister, Carol. Ann enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas, not only for the special foods she cooked, but because of the worship of the Savior’s birth, the essence of the Nativity, the scent of special goodies and intricately wrapped gifts, and the many decorative scenes and songs. Her trees and winter scenes were a delicate work of art. Free weekends and vacations were planned trips with family and friends throughout the US and foreign countries. They traveled to many interesting places, including an extensive trip to the East Coast with Mother Amelia and their niece and nephew, as well as a special anniversary cruise to Alaska. Retired life found them seeking a milder winter climate. By 2004, Ann had made blueprint modifications for their dream home which they built in sunny Prescott Valley, Arizona, where they moved in 2005. They also purchased a small ranch in Wyola, Montana, and enjoyed many happy summers vacations with the people there. Adeline was the daughter of Peter and Amelia (Sikorski) Pulczinski and a niece to 36 aunts and uncles, all deceased. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Amelia, her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Luis Navarro; as well as their two loyal dogs, Tiger and Rusty. Ann is survived and will be sadly missed by her husband, Charles; two sisters, Wanda (Bernie) Dallum and Kathy (Rick) Nelson; her brother, Conrad (Deb); her brothers and sister-in-law, Don (Gwyn) Witthoft and Denny Witthoft. Ann was an aunt and great aunt to 38 nieces and nephews, and had many cousins. A mass of Christian burial was held for Adeline (Ann) Witthoft on Friday, June 4, 2021, at St. Germaine’s Catholic Church in Prescott Valley, with Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Homes providing the arrangements. She will be laid to rest in Chicago. Condolences and memories can be shared with Adeline’s family on her guestbook by logging on to www.ruffnerwakelin.com. NPD