Ann Janeen (Swift) Nauman, 95, of Dubuque, IA, passed to the other side at home on Saturday, May 16, 2026.  Ann was born to Owen and Lorena (Cross) Swift on November 3, 1930, in Dubuque, IA. She grew up with three sisters and two brothers, all of whom predeceased her. Ann was married to John Nauman at, the then not so early age of 19, and proceeded to grow her own large family of seven children. Ann had early aspirations of a career starting in the secretarial sphere, but those soon gave way to the all-consuming life of raising that family. After having five of her children in seven years, she took an eight-year break and then completed the fold with two more.

The family grew up together on Link Street in a home that John and Ann literally built together. She assisted John with the heavy labor while doing her own labor in producing Lorene, the first born. That was an early pattern established by Ann. Each child brought more joy, but the addition of each child did nothing to diminish her ability to help finish the house and build a home for all.

Through all of that, Ann was always known for her strength and strength of conviction. She was a serious person that knew who she was and what she wanted and was known to be unafraid of speaking her mind. As a result, she might have been best known for a sense of humor that was direct and unfiltered. You never knew when or what might come your way, but she always naturally found the right words to capture the moment, sometimes to people’s chagrin, but usually to everyone’s delight.  

Some of her best lines would easily flow in a hotly contested game of euchre. Being her partner usually meant a sure win, but it also meant that you better hold up your end of the deal. That was a trait that she inherited from her parents Rena and Tom, as euchre was in the blood.  That competitive spirit also showed in her love for a couple of other games, slot machines and bingo in particular. Some people might be surprised to learn that she could be found on occasion in the early morning hours at the original Diamond Joe Casino, often with her sister-in-law, Carol Swift. Ann carried that love of pulling the handle and later pushing the button even into her 95th year.

Ann enjoyed life and knew how to throw a party. Many a great time were had by family and friends at the house on Link Street and at the camp at Nita-Ho-Valley. People were always eager to come and never left early or disappointed. Family, immediate and extended, were important to Ann and she maintained strong bonds with all of them. Her community of friends were also important and she could be relied on to help whenever needed or to just spend some time.

But she also had a quiet side and became a voracious reader after the last of the children had moved on into their own lives. But Ann was not content to stay home and read. She wanted more real life connection than books could offer, so she ventured back into the work force. Ann then spent 25+ years in various retail endeavors, where she could meet and interact with a range of people, both known friends and newly acquired friends. She worked at varied businesses like the Ice House Emporium with her sister Mary Juergens, the Star Uniform Store, where she became manager and finally at JC Penney at the Kennedy Mall. Ann took that work seriously, as it was more than a job. That part of her life enriched her immensely and fulfilled her young dream of a career.

Ann was first and foremost a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, cherished by all in her bloodline.  But she was almost equally regarded by her siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews and many friends. She built a life as a mother and family matriarch, a wonderful host, a great friend to many and someone who could be counted on to show up and deliver at every job that she took on. Ann also volunteered her time at the Dubuque Arboretum and Stonehill Community Assisted Living, both in the gift shop continuing to use her retail background.

All of Ann’s seven children survive her, along with her 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and their prodigy. Ann has requested that there be no services related to her passing. She was interred at Mt. Cavalry Cemetery, along with her husband John, who passed last October. Her children intend to gather the immediate family for a celebration of remembrance for both Ann and John later this year.

Any gifts in her honor can be made to Dubuque Hospice or the charity of your choice.