Ann Bell

Ann Elizabeth Eliason was born on May 21, 1934, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, to her parents Edwin and Hilma Eliason. Ann was an only child and a great delight to her parents. The family lived in the Randall area until Ann was seven years old when they moved near Trade Lake. When Ann was 12 years old, her father died in a farm accident and her mother sold the farm. She and Ann then moved to a little house in Trade Lake.

They attended the Trade Lake Baptist Church. During a service, a lady asked Ann if she would like to give her heart to Jesus. Ann said no, but when she got home, she knelt by a chair in the bedroom and gave her heart to Jesus.

Ann finished grade school. Her mother needed employment so they moved to Minneapolis where her mom had family and life then began with junior high school.

She attended South High School and graduated. Her mother gave her a piano as a graduation gift. Ann joined Riverside Free Church, and attended Northwestern College for one year. Ann started a music ministry by directing the church choir which she did for the next 20+ years. Ann and the church choir traveled to many small churches in Minnesota and Wisconsin to give their concerts. Riverside became known as the "singing church." As she moved from Minneapolis, to Shakopee, to Grantsburg, Ann became known for her excellent piano playing.

The Riverside Church had a large and fun youth group in the 60s. One person in that youth group was Tom Bell. Fast-forward a few years and a relationship developed resulting in their wedding on September 24, 1966. To this union were born two daughters, Kimberlee Ann and Dianna Lynn. Time passed during their growing up years with many joys and celebrations with Tom's extended family and Ann's mom who lived with the family for a few years.

Kim and Dianna graduated from Shakopee High School. Kim graduated from Carleton College, the American University in Cairo, and Thunderbird, and went into a career in business and then government service; she married Waleed Khorshed in 1993. Dianna graduated from Luther College and married Geoff Hitchler, and they have three wonderful children, Kristy, Jacob, and Sarah.

After Tom's retirement, he decided he would like to live in Grantsburg, so Ann became a Grantsburg resident once again which pleased her. Grace Church became their church home with many friends and opportunities for music ministry. She ministered in the Grantsburg Continuing Care Center, Grace Church, and Skonewood.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Hilma Eliason. She is survived by her husband, Tom Bell, two daughters, Kim and Dianna, son-in-law Geoff Hitchler, and three grandchildren, Kristy, Jacob, and Sarah, plus many relatives and friends.

A memorial service to honor the life of Ann will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Grace Church in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be served immediately after the service.

Family, friends, and all who knew and loved Ann are warmly invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Grace Baptist Church of Grantsburg Wisconsin Benevolent Fund.