Ann Marie DeKraay Skoog

Ann passed away peacefully at her home on Big Carnelian Lake in Stillwater, MN on August 1st 2026, after a long journey having been diagnosed with PSP in 2024. At the time of passing, she was holding hands with her husband Mark, son Scott, daughter Kristin, and sister Jane.

Ann was born to Robert and Marion DeKraay (Davies) in Orange City, Iowa on February 14th 1954. (A Valentine's Day Cupid).

Ann was the ultimate wife, mom, sister, family member, and friend. At her core she was an active, adventurous spirit who connected with everyone she met with a playful goofiness. Her love for life was infectious, and she couldn't help but share that love. She had a natural gift for bringing people together for memorable, "Fun" experiences, never forgetting to document them with photos and videos. She filled our lives with music and laughter.

Ann was the "active" in activity. She was always up for an adventure and loved dragging her little sister, Jane, along for the ride whether on horseback or on road trips. She lived life fully as an adventure.

Ann was involved in many things over the years: caring for and riding horses, biking (rode 3700 miles in 2 months from Seattle to Washington D.C. in 1976), hiking, skiing (downhill, cross country, water), playing French horn in concert and marching band, ice skating, sailing, tennis, pickle ball, golfing, kayaking, canoeing, etc. Her high school years were before Title IX so she competed enthusiastically in the only girls' varsity sport at the time, synchronized swimming, and continued into college. But she didn't see the lack of options. If the road was closed, she created her own detour. Ann and her bandmates created opportunities to play sports themselves like middle of the night hockey.

Ann had a strong faith and found community, with her family, at St. Andrews Lutheran Church. She enjoyed singing in church choir with her husband Mark, bible study, women's golf, Women on the Edge adventures, and volunteering.

Ann grew up working at Valley View Drug, the family business in Edina. She graduated from Edina High School in 1972 and moved on to South Dakota State and received a degree in Physical Education. After graduation she worked for the YWCA and as a photographer and loved taking pictures the rest of her life. During this time, she found her calling and went back to college at the University of Minnesota and earned a degree in Physical Therapy. She had an amazing, 35 year career as a PT. A role she poured her heart into. She helped countless patients regain mobility, rebuild strength and reclaim independence after injuries, surgeries, and major setbacks. Her compassion, patience, joke telling and genuine belief in people made her an unforgettable part of many recovery journeys.

On October 24th, 1987, Ann married Mark Skoog. They spent 40 Joyful years together creating a wonderful, adventurous life and two wonderful, adventurous children: Scott and Kristin. She loved encouraging and supporting her family in all their activities and adventures as well and always showed up enthusiastically for others!

Ann was "FUN" personified. She was the definition of "genuine": someone who is real, true, and sincere. She held an inclusive presence and valued people being treated fairly and with respect. She had a passion for meeting people and celebrating in their unique story. She also had a talent for pushing people beyond their own concerns in a positive way to reach their potential to live fully and find joy.

Preceded in death by her parents Robert DeKraay (Marion), parents-in-law Ryhner Skoog (Betty), and Brother-in-law Greg Skoog.

Survived by her husband Mark Skoog, son Scott Skoog, daughter Kristin Skoog, brother Ross DeKraay, sister Jane DeKraay (Ken Valley), sister-in-law Pat Skoog, brother-in-law Grant Skoog (Precy), sister-in-law Mary Ann Dallas (Mike), nephews R.T. DeKraay, Doug Skoog (Neena), nieces Kate Russo (Ross), and Angela Skoog.

The family would like to sincerely thank all those who have supported and cared for Ann in the last couple of years. With your love and generosity, we were able to cherish and bring joy to each day we had with her.

We miss Ann but she still resides in our hearts and minds. As we hesitate to try something new, there's the voice that says: "Do it! Just have fun!"

A memorial service will be held on October 31st at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN at the Sanctuary Building. There will be a 9am visitation, 10am service, and reception to follow. We encourage people to wear hearts and joyful colors to celebrate the love, light, and joy Ann brought to this world.

In lieu of flowers or memorial trees, memorials preferred to either:

-St. Andrews Lutheran Church's "Music Ministry"

-CurePSP's vital mission at www.psp.org/donate or by sending a check to 325 Hudson Street FL4, New York, NY 10013." Please note that by selecting "tribute gift," a gift may be made in Ann's memory directly.