Ann M. DeFrang

Ann Mary (Udenberg) DeFrang, age 65, of Sparta, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse surrounded by her family. A brief obituary does not begin to detail the life of such a loving and wonderful person or expresses the true loss of my best friend, partner and wife and our children's mother.

Ann was born on June 23, 1959, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Don and Barb (Magner) Udenberg. She was raised in Rochester and graduated from Mayo High School. She went on to attend Mankato State University.

Ann met the love of her life in Winona, Bob DeFrang. They were married on August 7, 1981, in Rochester, moved to Wisconsin, and together for over 44 years, raised three children and found a home in Sparta.

Ann worked as a bartender at several local establishments over the years, including Club 16, Ground Round, The Colonial, and The Fox Hole Pub. She was known for her warm personality, strong work ethic, and ability to make everyone feel welcome.

Family was at the heart of everything Ann did. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, baking, and was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers.  She loved all sports, including professional tennis, even turning some of her customers, folks that never understood, or cared to understand the game and scoring, into fans.

Ann was a fighter and battled health issues for 11 years, with the last two years incorporating multiple and lengthy hospital stays challenging her strength and courage.  The last year of her life was confined to a bed, but she continued to fight to be there for her loved ones.

Ann is survived by her husband, Bob DeFrang; children, Adam, Chad (Shelby), and Meghan (Justin) DeFrang; grandchildren, Vera, Jrue, Kelsey, and Kyle; as well as many siblings, cousins, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Don Udenberg and Barb Magner.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Club 16 in Sparta Wisconsin (1615 W. Wisconsin St), from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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