Annette Altenburg

Ramona Annette Altenburg passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, in Wild Rose, Wisconsin at the age of 87.

Annette was born February 8, 1937, to Kitty Pearl (Neel) Cooley and Walter C. Cooley in Sneads, Florida. She graduated from Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, Florida. Annette met a cute redheaded guy at a party when she was 16. His name was Neal Altenburg, and he lived in Plover, Wisconsin. For the next two years, Neal would make the trek from snowy Wisconsin in winter to see this beautiful hazel-eyed girl in Punta Gorda, Florida. They were deeply in love. They married and moved to Wisconsin. Annette was a born and raised southern girl. Never having seen snow except for in books, she was excited to finally experience snow. One night it snowed. All excited, Florida – born Annette ran out into the snow barefoot. Shocked, she ran back inside. Why hadn’t anyone told her snow was cold? But Annette loved Neal, and he loved her. They built a long life together and were married almost 70 years,

Annette was the proud mother of six children, each of whom carries forward her legacy of integrity and dedication, (and need to propagate): Deborah (late Steven) Craig, Neal (Bill) Altenburg, Jr., Mark Altenburg (Lisanne Lavoie), Joel (Julie) Altenburg, Ellen Altenburg-Wadel (Greg Wadel), and Richard Altenburg and grandchildren Amy (Jerry)Stafford, Tony (Jolene ) Craig,  Barry “Bear” Craig,  Diana (Josh) Henke, Mitchell Altenburg ( David Lerner), William Altenburg, Daniel (Jessica) Altenburg, Arielle Altenburg (partner Loren Trujillo), Justin Altenburg, Jared Wadel (fiancée Taylor Melvin), Haley Wadel (fiancé Patrick Heidtke), Stacy Higgins, Shannon Altenburg (Patrick Gallo), Maximilian Altenburg, West  Altenburg, River Altenburg and great grandchildren Jasmine Stafford, Kaden Stafford, Isabelle Craig,  Sawyer Craig, Dalton (Cheyenne)  Lamb,  Alexis Henke, Emily Henke, Bailey Henke, Dana Altenburg-Lerner, Akiva Altenburg-Lerner, Apollo Altenburg, Leia Altenburg, Bryson Wadel, Mason Higgins, and great-great grandson Miles Henke-Smith. Annette leaves behind many loving relatives including her siblings Tommy "Cooley Man,” Gayle, and Ron, as well as very special friends, Lynne Altenburg, Nancy Gear, and Marcel Cooley.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband Neal Altenburg, parents, brother Clyde Cooley and sister Gloria Dean Waldron.

Her family was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments and the close-knit bond they shared.

Ramona Annette Altenburg leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and humor. Her memory will be cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we say, “see you later,” we celebrate a life well-lived and a woman who touched many, many lives. She taught us well. One of Annette’s sayings, “It’s ok for family to get mad at family but, it’s not ok for family to stay mad at family.”

Thank you, Annette, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Great-Great-Grandma, and Friend.

To honor Annette’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Stahl Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements, www.stahlfuneralhome.com

A shared celebration of life along with her beloved late husband Neal Altenburg is planned for May 18, 2025, at the Hancock Community Center in Hancock, Wisconsin.