Annette Moen

Annette Marie Moen was born on August 22, 1935, in Wichita, KS, to Richard Glenn and Sarah Gladys (Pfeifer) Cothern. She was the only child born to Glenn and Gladys. She was baptized and confirmed into the Methodist faith. Glenn’s work of building power plants took the family all over the United States during Annette’s childhood. The family spent no more than a couple years in each place while power plants were being built before they were off to the next destination. The family moved around a lot and because of this Annette was extremely well traveled and deeply interested in the world. The family moved to Ortonville, MN, when Annette was in the ninth grade. Glenn was offered a permanent position and the family made Ortonville home. Annette graduated from Ortonville High school in 1953. 

She was united in marriage with Roger Moen on September 25, 1954. The couple were blessed with five children: Lon, Lynne, Lisa, Lance, and Larry. Annette worked as a secretary for the Ortonville Elevator for 10 years. She later decided to stay home to raise their five children, and treasured those years spent with her family. After her children graduated from high school, Annette decided to further her own education and she attended the University of Morris. She graduated from there in 1986. After her education she worked as a bank examiner for the FDIC until her retirement in 1998 and she moved to Appleton, MN. 

Annette was a devoted Christian and a member of the United Methodist Church in Ortonville. She would often use the phrases “you got to have faith” and “there’s a reason for everything”. She was a founder of the Monarch Heights in Ortonville. Annette took great interest in state and local politics. Annette enjoyed winters spent in Texas, while there she would volunteer her time filing other people's taxes. There was never a birthday card to her grandchildren that didn't hold a two-dollar bill and she loved baking goodies with her grandchildren to share with her friends and neighbors. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, canning, playing cards, bus trips across the United States, and visiting Hawaii with her husband, Roger. Above all she especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. 

She is survived by her three children: Lon (Cindy) Moen of Odessa, MN; Lynne (Lyle) Breberg of Dawson, MN; Lisa (Kevin) Johnson of Appleton, MN; eight grandchildren: Justin (Chelsea) Moen of Spencer, IA; Danielle Breberg of Dawson, MN; Derek (Jada) Johnson of Correll, MN; Sarah Johnson (Tim) of Talmoon, MN; Michael (Kristi) Johnson of Appleton, MN; Megan (Shane) Bilben of Milbank, SD; Luke Moen of Milbank, SD; Mackenzie (Jessie) Westimeyer of Odessa, MN; and 12 great-grandchildren and one-on-the-way. She is preceded in death by her parents: Glenn and Gladys, husband Roger, two sons: Lance and Larry; and one granddaughter, Jessica Moen.