Ann was born on June 25, 1955, in Fairmont, Minn., to Symon and Helen Vander Ploeg. She grew up on a farm near Granada, Minn., with her parents and brother Mark. Her father was a Dutch immigrant, and her mother was also Dutch.

After graduating from high school, Ann moved to the Twin Cities and worked at National Car Rental, Waldor Pump, and Askar Corp. until her retirement in December 2019.

Ann married Marti Vollbrecht on June 24, 1978. They moved to Burnsville and had two children. Family was very important to Ann, and her happiest times were when her family was together.

She took great pride in her Dutch heritage and stayed close with her family, who reside in the Netherlands. Her first trip to the Netherlands was when she was three years old. Ann made many trips there throughout her life, including three trips after being diagnosed with cancer. Her most memorable trip was in 2024 when her husband, children, and four grandchildren all traveled to the Netherlands together.

Ann had a genuine and caring heart and an uncanny ability to recall dates and numbers. When her friends needed to remember an important date, they knew who to call. She was the family historian, and she loved Jeopardy!, a very hot cup of coffee or tea, family pizza parties, and a good documentary.

Ann is survived by her husband, Marti, of 47 years; her two children, Drew (Shelli) Vollbrecht and Jane (Andrew) Flis; four grandchildren, Isla, Brynn, Emmalyn, and Symon; brother Mark Vander Ploeg of Redwood City, Calif.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Symon and Helen; her dear cousin Sjoukje Hibma of Ried, Netherlands; and her grandparents.

Ann’s family would like to thank the medical team at Minnesota Oncology – Burnsville for caring for Ann throughout her cancer journey.

The family will be holding a private celebration to honor Ann. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ann’s name to the American Cancer Society or the PBS Foundation.

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