Ann M. Jeddeloh (née Hokenson)

Ann and Larry Jeddeloh were married on Dec. 18, 1976. Their early years were spent in the Twin Cities. A honeymoon trip in 1977 to Europe sparked an interest in world travel and Europe in particular. After a visit to Zurich, Switzerland in the early 1980s, they thought Zurich would be a great place to live. In 1990, the family moved to Zurich with two small children, Ben and Sara, whom they adopted from Korea. She knew no one in Switzerland but ended up loving it. The experience of moving to Zurich, played a significant role in her life 25 years later. 

Global travel became a feature of family life. Their business developed a global clientele, which gave the kids an opportunity to travel as well. The family became great travelers, though not just internationally. Ann insisted on learning about America so the children would understand our history. The trips to DC, Boston, the Civil War battlefields in Virginia, and countless museums were a combination of fun, education, and a time to be together. Europe continued to be high on the travel list (heavy on the history lessons, but also plenty of art exposure thanks to Ann’s background in Art). London became a particular favorite. 

During the mid 1980s while living in the Twin Cities, a friend introduced her to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). BSF is a global group which helps people read through sections of the Bible each year, explore what it says, then discuss a set of questions each week in a group with other members. Ann joined a group in the Twin Cities during the mid-1980s and then a BSF group in Zurich in the early 1990s. Upon returning to the US, she rejoined a local class first as an attender, later as a Discussion Group leader. Reading through the Bible daily and the preparation she put into her group's meetings changed her life. She became an avid Bible reader literally up to the day she passed. Her notes in the margins of her Bible and the innumerable/detailed notes she made in the daily lesson readings/questions helped change the lives of those she studied the Bible with. She was so focused on the Bible, she clandestinely attended her husband’s online BSF Group meeting just days before she died, listening to the group call he was on. She hungered for the Word and wanted everyone to know about God’s love for us. 

Years after the move to Zurich ended, she wanted to go back to Switzerland, but her husband encouraged a try living in London. Moving this time in 2015 to London, she was a BSF Discussion Leader, leading weekly group discussions and participated in the weekly training meetings. She sang in the choir at All Souls Langham Church. She became a table leader for the Christianity Explored series offered at All Souls Church, followed by Hope Explored and Discipleship Explored courses. She loved singing at the Christmas carol services and at the Christmas choir concert/Prom Praise events. Toward the end of her life, she said her heart was in London with her church family there. 

Ann was known for her generosity. There was no better friend to have if you needed groceries, a place to live, or encouragement. She befriended those who were troubled, the poor and those who just needed a helping hand. The number of people she helped over the years, we could not count. We do not even know who they all were, she would be told of the need, and she took care of it. 

One of other things she was well known for were the number of birds which flew into a bay window in the house, knocking themselves unconscious. She would rescue them by placing the bird in a shoe box to keep them warm, dripping water in their beaks until they revived, when she would let them go. It wasn’t just the birds. Nine cats wandered out of adjoining woods, which she either adopted or re-homed. Ducks, squirrels, no one was immune from her desire to help. Ann was a rescuer of people and animals. She was always looking for that person who needed help. 

Ann is survived by her husband Larry, a daughter Sara, her son Ben, daughter-in-law Samantha, and five grandchildren, Morgan, Amy, Colton, Brooke, and Otto, as well as brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, and nieces. She was the spiritual mother to new believers around the world. She loved God, she loved Jesus, and she loved her family. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, gifts might be directed to the following organizations in which Ann was involved.  Bible Study Fellowship, Christianity Explored, All Souls Music (London) or North Heights Lutheran Church (Roseville, MN)