Ann Marie Clapp

AuTrain

          Ann Marie Clapp, age 77, longtime AuTrain resident, died late Tuesday evening, November 21, 2023 at the Munising Memorial Hospital following a brief and unexpected illness.  She was born on July 7, 1946 in Marquette to George and Elmira (St. Martin) McCollum.  Ann grew up on the family farm and helped with the chores of milking the cow, collecting eggs, and making egg and chicken deliveries on Saturdays.  She went to school in AuTrain and graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School.  Ann attended Northern Michigan University and was studying to be a teacher and excelled in shorthand.  She married Leonard Clapp on October 22, 1966 and when Len joined the Air Force, she moved with him to Kansas.  Ann worked on the base by babysitting children and washing, ironing, and steaming the uniformed personnel’s uniforms.  They returned to the U.P. in 1971.  In 1976, Ann and Len were integral participants in raising the monies and the building of the AuTrain Fire Department and Hall.  In 1978, they were blessed with their daughter, Amber, and together lovingly raised her.  In 1985, they purchased Bob’s Grocery in AuTrain and owned and operated A & L Grocery for many years.   Len preceded Ann in death on August 7, 2017 after over fifty years of marriage, and the following year, she sold the store.  Ann moved to Iowa with Amber and her family but returned to the U.P. in 2021.  She loved to cook, sew, and crochet years ago.  She was also a talented artist at drawing.   Ann was a hard worker and a staple in the lives of the AuTrain community.  She served as the Township Treasurer and medical first responder for the Township and Fire Department.   Recently, Ann became involved with the Munising Bay Cruisers – she loved those classic cars. 

          She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law – Amber and Dan Weathers of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; grandchildren – Jonas and Aili-Ann Denman; sister – Judy Rautanen; step-siblings – Mary (Andy) Shepley and Ralph Moore; in-laws – John Clapp, Ken Clapp, Kris (Sam) Hardee, Muriel Moore, and Jeff Moore; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Ann was preceded in death by her parents – George McCollum and Elmira and Don Moore; husband – Len; siblings – Mark McCollum, Tom McCollum, and Connie Moore; step-siblings – Ed, Bruce, Bill, and Frances Moore.

          A time of celebrating Ann’s life will be at the AuTrain Township Hall on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.