Longtime State Park resident Ann Frentzen passed away on March 11. Born in Pueblo, Colorado, she grew up inspired by her mother, a primary school teacher who sparked Ann’s lifelong love of learning.

A dedicated scholar, Ann earned advanced degrees in TESOL and education, including a Doctor of Education and a Master of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching (ESOL) from the School for International Training. She also held a Bachelor of Arts in History from Macalester College.

Ann began her career teaching English and cross‑cultural communication at institutions across the country and abroad, including Teachers College at Columbia University, the University of Houston, the University of Alaska–Fairbanks, Japan’s Language Institute, and Mexico’s El Instituto de Idiomas.

She later moved into higher‑education leadership, serving as Director of the Intensive English Communication Program at Penn State University, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Lake Tahoe Community College, and Associate Dean and Department Head at the University of Alaska–Fairbanks. She also shared her expertise nationally as a site reviewer and specialist for the Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA).

Quiet and introverted by nature, Ann was known for her kindness and her ability to be a true friend—someone who consistently put others’ needs before her own. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Ann is survived by her niece, Leanna Schlick, and her brother‑in‑law, William Schlick. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Martha Frentzen, her sister Marlie Schlick, and her nephew Josh Schlick.