Anne Frances Pinegar

Anne Frances Pinegar, 85, an inspirational beacon of love and compassion, passed away with her loving family by her side on March 29, 2024 at Alten-Haus Assisted Living Facility in Neenah, WI after a diagnosis of kidney failure. Anne was born the second child of four to the late Owen and Florence (Krah) Pinegar on October 29, 1938 in Marinette, WI. At one point the family moved to Antigo, WI where Anne graduated in 1956 from Antigo High School.

After working at the local hospital as a nursing assistant in high school, Anne observed the workings of the radiology department and her path was set. Anne moved to Milwaukee to attend Columbia Hospital’s School of Radiologic Technology where she graduated from and passed her boards in 1963. There is where she began her rewarding career in x-ray and working with the students coming into the program. It was also there she met and married Dennis G. Martinson and had two children through their union. In 1977 the family moved to Appleton, WI. where Anne continued her dedication to x-ray working for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Appleton Family Health Center and various local clinics in the Fox Valley. However, Anne decided in 1991 she was going to move back to her hometown of Marinette, WI. to be closer to her elderly mother and took a position at Bay Area Medical Center in the X-ray department. This is where she also began a new chapter in her career as a mammographer. She studied diligently and passed the mammography boards in 1992. Bay Area Medical Center was looking to establish and expand the mammography department and Anne was instrumental in the design and emergence of that vision. With the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) passed in 1992, strict regulations were created and FDA accreditation was required. One of Anne’s proudest moments was learning her mammography department was one of five facilities in the state of WI to pass the first ever compliance inspections for this new law. Her accomplishments were recognized and she was offered a position as a MQSA inspector but declined to stay near to her mother and her dogs. Anne understood the importance of her work and the care she took with her patients was stellar. She was affectionately known as the “Boob Lady” about town and she wore the title proudly. She later worked for Prevea Clinics in Green Bay and Theda Clarke Hospital as well.

Besides her pride in her career, Anne loved to read and to bake. If she was going for an oil change, the dentist, or to the credit union, she brought in cookies for all to enjoy.   Anne was a talented painter and sketch artist. She loved oil and acrylic paints and her family has many pieces of her artwork to cherish. As a teenager one of her oil paintings even won a spot on a national calendar. Her love of fast cars also brought her much joy and as a present to herself for passing her x-ray boards she acquired a 1963 Triumph TR3 convertible at Augie Pabst’s dealership. Boy did she love that car. We know there was a desire to race alongside Augie Pabst and if offered, she would have jumped.

Her greatest love however was for her children, and she proudly traded in her sportsters for the family station wagon. Every day her children felt her love for them in all she did. Family picnics on the living room floor, star gazing on the crazy quilt, hot cocoa at 4 a.m. watching cheesy Charlie Chan movies and striving to make every Christmas so special. Anne also had the most enduring love for her dogs and any animal for that matter.

Anne is survived by her children, Heather Pluger, Green Bay and Heath Martinson, Appleton. She is further survived by her sisters, Susan Carter and Mary (Michael) Stevens, both residing in Florida and her cousin Mary Jo (Ken) Zilisch, Appleton.  She is also survived by nieces, nephews, additional family and friends.

Along with her parents, Owen and Florence Pinegar, Anne was preceded in death by her brother Owen Pinegar Jr.; her nephew Tyler Stevens; a brother-in-law Charles Carter; her dogs Patches, Mindee, Buster, Sable, Timbre, Mollie, Maggie and Charlie; as well as other dear family members and friends.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude for the compassion and care from all the caregivers and residents at Alten-Haus Assisted Living Facility in Neenah. Anne truly cared for you all. To Mary Jo and Ken Zilisch, you have been there for Anne throughout life’s ups and downs, along with her lifelong friends Krissy Greenya, Colleen Dwyer and Joan Sorenson. You are the true meaning of family.

Que’ Sera’ Sera’, whatever will be, will be, the future’s not ours to see, Que’ Sera’ Sera’, what will be, will be. – sung by Doris Day. How you loved to sing it to us Mum. We will make sure to play it on your birthday and toast you with a stiff Manhattan.   Love you.

At Anne’s request, no service will be held. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Anne's memory to a breast cancer research organization of your choice.