Ann Zettell

Ann Zettell was a woman cut of the warmest, kindest cloth, who always volunteered her time, her effort and her love. She was so many things to so many people a loving wife and mother, doting grandmother, a friend and shoulder to lean on. But more than anything, Ann was a wonderful example of the good in people. The Great Depression dominated American life in the 1930s, an event that took its toll on everything from the largest factory to the smallest family. The unemployment rate pushed toward new heights while those who had jobs were often underpaid and overworked. It was a challenging time, but L.B. Dunnigan and his wife, Bertha C. (Wuenshel), of Detroit, Michigan maintained their positive spirits by focusing on a new blessing in their lives, the birth of their first child, daughter Ann, on September 6, 1936. She was later joined by four younger siblings, Tim, Terry, Kathleen and Dennis, rounding out the Dunnigan household with five children. Ann spent her early childhood growing up in the bustling metropolis of Detroit, where her father was Editor of the Detroit Free Press and Times. By the time Ann was 6, her family had moved to Royal Oak, a quiet suburb of Detroit, and Ann started school at St. Marys. After graduating high school in 1954, Ann pursued a higher education at the University of Detroit for 2 years. She then went to work as a secretary at General Telephone, but left after some time to join the sales staff at Tinnermans Fasteners. Ann was in her early 20s when she married her high school sweetheart, Robert L. Zettell, who she had known since the 2nd grade. The two waited until Robert graduated from college to be married on May 23, 1959. Shortly after saying I do, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army, and after basic training, he was stationed in Utica, Michigan. Their first child, Mark, was born in 1960. In 1962, Robert was sent to Okinawa, Japan, where Ann joined him. It was here the couple delighted in welcoming the birth of their second child, daughter Rebecca, who completed their family. In 1965, Roberts military service ended and the family of 4 moved to southern California, settling in Walnut, a quiet suburb of Los Angeles. Although they were far from their families in Michigan, they made sure to return to their roots every couple of years to catch up with their loved ones. After 10 years on the west coast, Robert and Ann decided to move their family back to Michigan, making their home in Muskegon. Robert was soon able to find work as a Civil Engineer for the Public Works Department of the county. Ann was a smart, passionate and talented woman, who was adept in everything she did. One of her specialties was antiques, particularly pottery and early American items. Ann became an expert in this field and began appraising items and directing estate sales. She was also one of the consignees at the Memory Lane Antique Mall in Muskegon. Another of Anns passions was for reading, a love she learned from her father. Not surprisingly, Ann was a longtime frequent visitor of the Walker Library near her home in North Muskegon. Both she and Robert shared an interest in history, especially the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. They took several trips throughout the United States, visiting many historical landmarks, and one very memorable journey following the route of Lewis and Clark. Among their travels, Ann and Robert always made time to visit to their daughter, Rebecca, in California. Family was the cornerstone of Anns life, and she took great joy in her children and six grandchildren throughout the years. It was said that Ann was a tiny lady, but her heart always overflowed with love and compassion for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth. Sadly, Ann passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day, 2010, of an apparent heart attack shortly after sharing in their sons family festivities. She will be greatly missed. Ann is survived by her husband of 51 years, Robert; son, Mark (Mary Tyler) Zettell of N. Muskegon; daughter, Rebecca (Roger) TenElshof of Danville, CA; grandchildren, Sam, Nick, Erin, Ben, Anna, Abigail; mother, Bertha Dunnigan of Southfield, MI; brothers, Tim (Joanne) Dunnigan of Minneapolis, MN, Terry (Carol) Dunnigan of Leesburg, VA, Dennis Dunnigan of Toronto, Canada; sister, Kathleen Hampton of Royal Oak, MI. Services will be on Thursday, December 30, at 1:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Fr. Anthony Pelak officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Walker Library. Please visit Anns personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory or sign her online guest book.