Anna M. Semrau, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, at the age of 89 in DeWitt, Iowa. Born Anna Mae Sellnau on August 5, 1935, in Clinton, Iowa, she was the youngest daughter of Herbert Adolph and Melinda Brodina (Soenksen) Sellnau. Anna’s early years were spent on a farm near Goose Lake, where she developed a love for the simple joys of rural life.

Anna’s education began at Plugtown Country School and continued at DeWitt High School, where she proudly served as a Drum Major. Her leadership and spirit were evident even in those early days. In 1955, she married Raymond Pennock in DeWitt, Iowa, and together they welcomed four children into the world: Jeff, Jodie, Janelle, and Jillane. They were married for 18 years before separating.  Anna found love again and married James “Jim” Cunningham on August 3, 1985, in DeWitt. Jim preceded her in death in 2001. Years later, Anna married Donald Semrau on October 11, 2008, in Canada. Though they later separated, they maintained a lasting friendship.

Throughout her life, Anna was known for her strong work ethic and friendly demeanor. She held various positions, most notably with DeWitt Cleaners, WalMart in Maquoketa, and Jack-N-Jill Grocery Store in Maquoketa.

Anna had a passion for board games and dice, drawing, playing the piano, and was a Green Bay Packers fan.

Those left to honor her memory include children, Jeff Pennock of DeWitt, IA, Jodie (Todd) Reid of Oak Grove, MO, Janelle (Donnie) Bousselot of Calamus, IA, and Jillane (Jerry) Renner of Elwood, IA; 8 grandchildren, Josh (Raena) Reisdorph, Kelsey (Jordan) Kesler, Amanda (Jason) Langel, Elliott (Kristine) Pennock, Jesse (Karolyn) Pennock, Brodina (Isaac Schober) Bousselot, Kendra (Devin Daniels) Renner, and Luke Renner; and 9 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, the father of her children Raymond Pennock, her husband James Cunningham, brothers Walter and Edwin Sellnau, sisters Helma Pitts and Darleen Tralau, and a daughter-in-law Loretta Pennock.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:30 P.M., Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 12:00 P.M to 1:30 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Elwood, IA Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Anna Mae Semrau memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.