Ann Alice Peternel Bisiack
July 24, 1918 – September 18, 2012
Ann Alice Peternel Bisiack, 94, of Bainbridge Island, WA and formerly of Renton, WA passed away on September 18, 2012. She was born on July 24, 1918, on the Iron Range of Gilbert, MN, in a mining community of Slovenian immigrants to John and Annie Peternel.
At the age of five she headed west with her family including two younger sister, Helen and Evie, to Washington and finally settled in Renton. Her father’s property and their home is now the site of Renton City Hall. Ann graduated salutatorian from Renton High School in 1936 and went onto Secretarial School in Seattle.
She married Louie Bisiack after WWII on May 4, 1946. They had been long time family friends and a courtship began dancing at Lake Wilderness Resort. Ann enjoyed accompanying Louie on fishing trips, dancing, and their activities with friends “The Dizzy Dozen.” After the birth of their daughter, Luanne, they settled in Renton building a house with the help of Grandpa John. Ann re-entered the work force employed for 30 years at PACCAR where she rose thru the ranks to become executive secretary for two company presidents.
After retirement they moved to Bainbridge Island to live next to their only daughter and her family. For the past ten years Ann struggled with macular degeneration and lived at the Madison Avenue Retirement Center. In May increasing dementia moved her to Messenger House. A stroke on September 9, added to her trials. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Bainbridge Island on September 21 and Ann is interned with Louie at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Renton.
Ann lived a healthy and happy 94 years and we celebrate her commitment to family, friends, her faith and work. She was a faithful member at both St. Anthony’s in Renton and St. Cecilia Churches. She loved her family and took special pride in her two grandsons and five great-grandchildren. We are blessed to have shared so many years with her. She was an enthusiastic Seahawks and Mariners fan and attended many of her grandson’s games, Pee Wee thru college.
She is survived by a daughter Luanne Croker and son-in-law Tom of Bainbridge Island; their two sons: Chris and wife, Tara Croker, children Cole, Ciara Ann and Catie of New Rochelle, NY and Chad and wife, Nellie Croker and children Estella and Pearl Annie of Poulsbo, WA; her sister Evelyn and husband, Bert Nord of Renton, and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the Gentle Care staff at Messenger House and also the staff of Madison Avenue Retirement Center for their loving and respectful care. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in honor of Ann’s life many be made to Renton Historical Society, 235 Mill Avenue South, Renton, WA 98057-2133.
Please sign the online Guest Book for the family at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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