In the wake of Anna Stangler’s death, tributes reflect her lasting impact on youth sports and family life.
Anna Stangler lived her life with unwavering dedication to her family, community, and the sport she loved.
Born on July 11, 1985, in Mankato, Minnesota, Anna built a remarkable legacy through her multifaceted career and tireless service to others.
Anna’s professional journey reflected her diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit.
After graduating from Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School in 2003 and earning her degree from Minnesota State-Mankato in 2007, she embarked on a career that seamlessly blended business acumen with community service.
She operated multiple businesses alongside her husband Nick, demonstrating the same determination and problem-solving skills that characterized every aspect of her life.
Anna thrived on challenges and possessed an innate ability to “chase and solve” whatever obstacles came her way.
Her business ventures allowed her to maintain the flexibility she needed to support her family’s active lifestyle while contributing meaningfully to her community.
The Titans Fastpitch Association recognized Anna as an instrumental force in their organization’s growth over the past five years.
She served as a longtime board member and dedicated volunteer coach, giving tirelessly to players, families, and the broader community.
Her unwavering dedication to youth sports and passionate commitment to softball left an indelible mark on countless young athletes.
Anna’s coaching philosophy extended beyond teaching athletic skills.
She served as a cherished mentor, friend, and role model, inspiring players both on and off the field.
Her approach to coaching reflected her natural inclination to help others, making her the “go-to, short notice, please can you give us a hand” person for virtually everyone in her orbit.
One of Anna’s greatest professional joys involved helping her parents at Fischer’s Corner Bar in Elysian.
The sight of Anna and her mother working together, racing around each other to serve customers in a perfectly choreographed dance they had perfected over the years, struck observers as almost poetic.
Anna Stangler’s Death Shocks Minnesota Community
Anna Stangler passed away on Friday, June 13th, 2025, surrounded by friends and loved ones at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.
Her sudden passing shocked the community and left an enormous void in the lives of those who knew her.
The official obituary revealed the scope of Anna’s impact on her family and community.
She leaves behind her husband Nick, whom she married on August 18th, 2007, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Marysburg, and their three children: Tyler (25), James (14), and Mya (12).
Her parents, Rich and Pam Fischer of Elysian, along with her sister Audra (Kris) Poggi of Mankato and brother Nick (Kaylee) Fischer of Waterville, survive her, along with their children and extended family members.
The family requested that memorial donations be directed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in lieu of flowers, suggesting Anna’s battle may have been connected to this devastating disease.
Funeral arrangements reflected the community’s desire to honor Anna’s memory properly. Visitation was scheduled from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny, with additional visitation one hour prior to the funeral service.
The Mass of Christian Burial took place at 12:00 PM on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the same church, with Fr. Timothy Sandquist celebrating the service.
The announcement of Anna’s passing generated an immediate and heartfelt response across social media platforms and community organizations.
The Titans Fastpitch Association’s official statement captured the collective grief:
“It is with deep sadness that Titans Fastpitch announces the sudden passing of longtime Board Member and dedicated volunteer coach, Anna Stangler.”
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The organization’s tribute emphasized Anna’s role as more than just a coach and leader—she was “a cherished mentor, friend, and role model to so many.”
They extended heartfelt condolences to Nick, Tyler, James, and Mya while acknowledging that “Anna’s legacy will live on in every player she inspired and every life she touched.“
Personal tributes poured in from friends and fellow softball players who had shared the field with Anna over the years.
Cris Knish Young’s emotional tribute exemplified the personal connections Anna forged throughout her life:
“Anna Stangler was the sweetest person. She was so kind and helpful. A wonderful mother and had a passion for softball.”
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Young’s tribute revealed the deep bonds Anna formed with fellow players, noting how they could anticipate each other’s moves on the field after years of playing together and against each other, “yet we always had a smile for each other on and off the field.”
The tribute emphasized Anna’s inner light:
“She had a bright light within her that shone through wherever she went.”
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The disbelief and shock expressed in these tributes—”This is so surreal. It’s hard to believe she is gone“—reflected the sudden nature of Anna’s passing and the profound impact she had on her community.
Friends consistently emphasized her lasting influence:
“She has definitely made an impact on many people’s lives and will not be forgotten.”
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Anna Stangler’s death represents the loss of a remarkable woman who balanced multiple roles with grace and determination.
Her legacy lives on through the businesses she helped build, the young athletes she mentored, the family she cherished, and the countless lives she touched through her generous spirit and unwavering dedication to others.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Anna was 39 years old at the time of her death. She was born on July 11, 1985, and passed away on June 13, 2025.
- She had a specific hobby of gardening and spending time at her pool.
- Anna was preceded in death by her grandparents.
