Ann M. Olejnik

Ann Marie Olejnik (Nickasch), age 73 of Menasha, WI, passed away May 24, 2022. The second oldest of 11 siblings, she was born on March 16, 1949, in Appleton. Ann married Jeffrey Olejnik on October 2, 1981, in Oshkosh.

Ann enjoyed cooking, traveling, watching Hallmark movies and decorating for all the holidays. She and Jeff loved eating at their favorite restaurants and this tradition continued with her family and friends over the years. Ann loved animals.  However, dogs held a special place in her heart. She loved shopping with her daughters, friends, and granddaughters, who referred to her as Grannie Annie. Hosting get-togethers and spending time with family was her greatest joy in life.

She took pride in organizing reunions and events for her class of Neenah High School 1967. Ann could strike up a conversation with anyone and create friendships with strangers within minutes of meeting them. She described herself as feisty and was known to say whatever was on her mind.

Ann is survived by her children, Jennifer (Mark) Baeten, Rebecca Siehr, and Ryan Olejnik; her grandchildren, Jordanne and Ashleigh; her siblings, Rick (Kathy) Nickasch, Mark (Stacy) Nickasch, Dan Nickasch, Perry (Shirley) Grogan, Dean (Gayle) Grogan, Dennis (Sherrie) Grogan, Don Grogan, Mary (Chris) Dahms and sister-in-law Kay (Tim, d. 2022) Nickasch; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and relatives through her husband, Jeff.

Ann is preceded in death by her husband, Jeff; her mother and step-father Rosemary and Jerome Grogan; her grandparents, Hans and Myrtle Paulsen; her siblings, Barbara Brzozowski and Tim Nickasch; her special aunt and uncle, Leona and Roger Stahl and their daughter, Diana Stahl, as well as other beloved members of the Olejnik family.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital for their extra compassion shown to Ann and our family. They truly went above and beyond in their care.

Ann will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. She taught us to continue traditions and value family above all. Her children can’t imagine life without her, but she lives on within each of us.