WINGENBACH, Anne Mary

Anne Mary Wingenbach, age 81, passed away Feb. 18 after a short illness. She was born Anne Mary Sullivan on Dec. 14, 1925, to Thomas Joseph Sullivan and Anna Katherine Sullivan in Erie, Pa. She joined a sister Francis. Wingenbach was orphaned in 1938 after losing her mother and then her father a year later. After a brief period in an orphanage, she was taken in by her Aunt Marge and her husband. Wingenbach attended Villa Marie Academy in Erie, graduating in 1944. She met J. LeRoy Wingenbach while on a group outing. He was home on furlough from the Army. They corresponded while he was in Europe during World War II and love blossomed. They married Sept. 17, 1946. In 1949, the couple moved to Colorado. They lived several places including Boulder, Las Animas and Kokomo before moving to Leadville in 1953. Wingenbach worked as a secretary/receptionist for the Leadville Chamber of Commerce in the morning and as Leadville city clerk in the afternoon for many years. She then worked for the Lake County School District for 18 years as a bookkeeper until her retirement in 1987. Wingenbach was very knowledgeable about Leadville history and the geology of the area. She loved talking of the history and often addressed tour groups. When a local radio station (KBRR) hosted a contest she submitted the winning name for "Shore Pretty Drive." Her hobbies included reading, needlework, sewing and, of course, watching the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos. Wingenbach was a devout Catholic and Christian. After being homebound she answered prayer requests for the Guideposts prayer line. After a recent stroke limited her speech she received written prayer requests from Guideposts. She was well known for her knowledge of many subjects and avid discussions. She had a good sense of humor which many of her children inherited. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Thomas, sister Francis, husband of 51 years, eldest son Thomas and grandson Jeff. Wingenbach is survived by daughters Kathleen Jackson, Leadville; Toni (Mike Werner) Wingenbach, Divide; Kristi Leaman, Leadville; Genie Dries, Carbondale; Teri Schroeder, Leadville; and son Damian Wingenbach, Leadville. Grandchildren Katrina Jackson, Thomas Wingenbach Jr, Amanda Herrera, Andrew Wingenbach, Timothy Leaman, Ericka and Jessica Dries and Kristi Wingenbach; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; her beloved dog and companion Oliver and many friends dear to her heart. She is very much missed by her family and friends and will never lose her place in their hearts. Herald Democrat - 2007