Ann Turnwald passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from the loving arms of her family to the sacred hands of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her Bright Light lit up our world for 77 years and she now enjoys everlasting heavenly peace.

Ann was born in Lima, OH to the late Melitus "Jack" and Regina (Utendorf) Knippen. Ann married Steve Turnwald on May 2, 1970. Ann graduated from Ottoville Ohio High School in 1967; from the Ohio State School of Cosmetology in 1968 and became an Indiana Certified Nurse in 1980. She was rightfully proud of her 27 year nursing career before retiring in 2007. For twenty-one of those years she was a part of an OBGYN practice, which fit perfectly with her love of infants and for her desire to provide such amazing care for her patients.

Ann is a member of Saint Vincent DePaul Catholic Church. Since 2007, she has been wintering in Fort Myers Florida. She loved the beach, the pool, the sun, and most of all, a large group of wonderful friends. She also enjoyed plants, flowers, home decorating and shopping.

She was the ultimate people person with her big smile and warm greetings, and she could also be a little spicy at times. She could definitely liven up a room with her humor and practical jokes. She especially loved children and was so happy to learn that she had two great grandchildren on the way. She also enjoyed being with her family especially on Holidays and at the biannual family beach house vacation. The crown jewel of her legacy is truly her wonderful family.

Ann is survived by her husband of 55 years, Steve; children Gina (Ken) Barnhart, Bill (Molly) Turnwald and Tami (Scott) Koesters; 16 grandchildren, Marissa, Tyler, MaKenna, Kyle, Lukas, Faith, Jackson, Joey, DeeDee, Jakob, Carson, AJ, Laikyn, Bonita, Erik and Kash; sisters, Jean (Mike) Byrne, Jane (John) Schlagbaum; sisters-in-law, Betty Wannamacher and Connie Knippen.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Don Knippen and Kenn Knippen. Also granddaughter Myka Lynn Turnwald.

Funeral Mass will be at 11am Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be 2-4 and 6-8 Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46808. Entombment will be at Catholic Cemetery Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Preferred memorials are to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.