Anna Mae Beranek Einhorn

Anna Mae Kulas Beranek Einhorn, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Sugar Loaf Senior Living in Winona at the age of 92.

She was born on September 18, 1928, in Winona, to Peter and Josephine (Lesman) Kulas, and was a 1946 graduate of Winona Senior High School.  Anna Mae was united in marriage with Richard Beranek on September 1, 1951, and celebrated a silver anniversary before he preceded her in death in 1977.  She later married Arthur Einhorn, who preceded her in death in 2012.

Annie, sometimes referred to as “Red” for her beautiful red hair, was employed as a child support officer for Winona County Human Services from 1973 to 1993, prior to her retirement.  She won an award with her team for bringing in a million dollars in child support to the county in one year and was extremely proud of the work they accomplished.  She was also a member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

She will be remembered for so many things: her love of bowling (Annie won many trophies), cooking, baking, sewing, traveling, reading, and gambling, just to name a few interests and passions.  Her wonderful sense of humor and a laugh that came from the heart will also be remembered fondly by all who knew her, as well as her sincerity, kindness, and thoughtfulness. This was a lady of great inner strength—and great outer strength! An Annie hug could leave you winded and concerned your ribs were cracked. Her talent in the kitchen also knew no bounds.  She was especially skilled at homemade bread and classic Polish fare, but regardless of the cuisine she chose to cook, no one ever left her table hungry.  Annie also traveled extensively during her long life, with a varied list of destinations including Poland, Mexico, and Hawaii. She especially enjoyed a trip to Mexico City with her daughters, Peggy and Sue. Her favorite travels, however, were to visit extended Beranek family in Virginia, and staying at the family cottage in West Newton, Minnesota, and enjoying the Mississippi River and the simple life.  Her greatest joy in life was her family, and she especially cherished the time that she spent with her sisters and brother.  Her clan was a large and lively one: get-togethers  involved food, dancing, music, and sing-alongs—with Mitch Miller, with her brother Butch’s concertina or simply with anyone who was lucky enough to be present. In the last few years she was able to enjoy the company of her granddaughter, Katie, as a companion.  She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Annie is lovingly survived by her daughter, Peggy Shattuck; her sons-in-law Bob Shattuck and Jerome Severson; grandchildren Katie  Shattuck (Will Scott), Mallory (Andy)LaBelle and Jeffrey Severson; a sister-in-law, Micky Kulas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husbands; daughter, Susan, in 1999; son, Dan, in 1975; sisters and their husbands Audrey (Dan) Sieracki, Germaine (Ed) Griffith, Bernadine (Dick) Sula, and Ramona “Sis” Hildebrandt and her husband, Jim; brother Raymond “Butch” Kulas; and special—in-laws: Jack and Kay Beranek.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.  The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer will officiate.  Anna Mae will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Anna Mae’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.