Ann P. Wahlers

Ann P. Wahlers, age 89, of Rhinelander, died on February 21, 2026, at the Friendly Village in Rhinelander. She was born on December 7, 1936 in Neenah, Wisconsin, the daughter of Irwin and Beatrice (Darling) Pearson.

Ann’s love of nature and God’s creation led her throughout her life; beginning as a child on the shores of Lake Winnebago, to many years at a wonderful, holy place on Enterprise Lake outside of Antigo, to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the ocean which caressed the shores, to the astounding spiritual peace of Boom Lake. She loved all of the creatures, including the many dogs that walked with her on the journey, including her accredited therapy dog, Hodie the Hodag.

Following the granting of a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Ann was ordained at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Grand Marais, Minnesota on September 24, 1989. While serving in Minnesota she served as the chair of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. After studying in the doctoral program of the seminary with an emphasis on pastoral counseling she moved to the state of Washington and served a small church in the Pacific Northwest prior to returning to Wisconsin and a pastorate at Faith United Church UCC in Antigo.

Ann later moved to serve Ely Memorial Church, Land O Lakes and Phelps Congregational Church UCC, Ann then retired from full time parish ministry but remained active in the Northwest Association, UCC and the Wisconsin Conference UCC serving as chair of the Northwest Association Division on Church and Ministry, facilitating retreats, providing pulpit supply and serving as interim minister with the First Congregational UCC of Eagle River.

Ann is survived by the loves of her life, her children Mary Ann Groat (Michael) of Wausau, Max Wahlers of Grand Marais, Minn. and Diane Gagliano (Mike) of Eagle River, her beloved grandchildren, Rachel and Elizabeth Groat, Whitney, Izaya and Reilly Wahlers, Amelia and Dillon Gagliano, with one great grandchildren due to arrive in a month, nine dear nieces and nephews and very dear and beloved friend, Patricia Juday. She admires all of them for the wonderful lives they are living and the contributions they are making to life in this complex, wonderful world. Included also are her friends from many, many years, most of who live in the Fox River Valley, their faithfulness a gift to be treasured. She is preceded in death by her parents, Irwin Pearson and Beatrice Darling Pearson and her brother, John Stanley Pearson.

A service/celebration of life for Ann will be held on June 13, 2026. the times and location are yet to be determined. You may leave your private condolences for Ann's family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Wahlers family.