Annette Fay Walz

Annette Fay Walz, age 83, of Ellsworth, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Burnsville, Minnesota, surrounded by love. She was born on April 24, 1942, to Fred and Minnie (Fosberg) Skog in Red Wing, Minnesota. Annette attended Ellsworth High School and graduated with the Class of 1960. She worked at the Brotoloc Home for 30 years, worked at the Ellsworth School District as a dishwasher for 23 years and on their family farm.

In May of 1964, Annette was united in marriage to Ronald Walz at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Beldenville, Wisconsin. Together, they were blessed with six children: Phillip, Sheila, Mark, Michael, Brian, and Julie. Family was always at the heart of Annette’s life, including her annual weeklong stays at her sister Joan’s. She poured her love endlessly into those she held dear.

Annette was a true free spirit—always on the go and always ready for the next adventure. She loved traveling, treasure hunting at thrift shops, a winning day at the casino, and collecting meaningful keepsakes along the way. She had a deep passion for animals, and spent many years farming, caring for cows, and enjoyed her beloved sunflowers. Annette also had a lifelong love for music, especially Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson, and was a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan. Some of her favorite pastimes included spending time with family and friends, watching game shows, especially The Price Is Right, playing mini golf, and collecting T-shirts from everywhere she went. While she was not a fan of heights, her family will always remember her unforgettable moments on Ferris wheels.

Known for her warm heart and welcoming nature, Annette never met a stranger as she always thought of everyone as a friend. Everyone was “Honey” to her, and she always had a hug ready. She was hardworking and dedicated, often working multiple jobs simultaneously which kept her busy. She was endlessly complimentary, quick to brighten someone’s day with kind words, and truly loved everyone. She loved the Ellsworth community and represented it wherever she went.

She is survived by her six children: Phillip Walz, Sheila (Lance) Miller, Mark Walz, Michael Walz, Brian (Natasha McCalmont) Walz, and Julie (John Furzland) Walz; her eight grandchildren: Brandon, Courtney, Kya, Hailey, Bryanna, Paige, Ava, and Grace; and 7 great grandchildren; sister: Joan (Micheal) Russell; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her Husband, Ronald; her parents; her daughter-in-law: Valerie Walz, siblings: Edwin Skog, Jerry Skog.

A funeral service for Annette will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant Street, Ellsworth, WI 54022. A visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until the time of service. Annette will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery in Beldenville.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.