Ann Schuler-Ackerberg, age 78 of Minneapolis, passed away July 6, 2026. Ann lived her life with an open heart and an adventurous soul. Whether exploring a new country, discovering a new restaurant, or striking up a conversation with someone she’d just met, she found joy in experiencing the world and embracing the people she met along the way.

Born in Minneapolis in 1948 to Douglas Schuler and Betty Lou Schuler, Ann was a loving daughter whose quick wit and infectious sense of humor filled her childhood home with love and laughter. She studied Art History at the University of Minnesota, and her love of art remained a defining passion throughout her life. Her travels led her to many of the world’s great museums, and she returned home from her travels with carefully chosen paintings, pottery, masks, and other treasures that reflected the people and cultures she encountered. Over the course of her life, Ann traveled to every corner of the earth from the mountains of Peru to the monasteries of Bhutan, and from the bustling markets of India and Vietnam to the ancient wonders of China and the prehistoric caves of France. Ann also fostered a love for the arts in those around her, bringing her children, nieces, nephews, and loved ones to countless exhibitions, and plays at The Guthrie Theater and Children’s Theatre Company. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for life never waned. Even into her final years, she remained active, regularly attending Pilates, yoga, and cycling classes, and always looking forward to her next adventure.

 Ann spent more than 40 years as an insurance executive. Throughout her career, she earned the respect of her colleagues and clients, but even more importantly, she built deep and enduring friendships with people who became like family to her. Her friends remember her as a loyal and deeply cherished friend whose relationships often spanned decades. Her curiosity about the world gave her a wide circle of friends with shared passions for literature, film, travel, and family. A voracious reader, she rarely went long without a book in hand and treasured the thoughtful conversations and friendships that grew from her long-time book club. She was known for her fairness, unwavering integrity, and the quiet trust she inspired in others. Whether celebrating life’s happiest moments or offering comfort during its most difficult ones, Ann showed up with thoughtful advice, steadfast encouragement, and a compassionate ear.

Throughout her life, Ann was unapologetically herself and refreshingly direct. She spoke her mind, stood by her convictions, and her candor, wit, and authenticity were among the qualities that made her so memorable.  She believed deeply in standing up for others and lived those values through action, whether attending peaceful protests, supporting her community, or helping deliver groceries to immigrant families facing uncertainty. She lived life to the fullest and she will be remembered and missed by all those who knew her. She is survived by her brother Phillip Schuler and her two children, Ariane Ackerberg (Allison Ramsey) and Sam Ackerberg, as well as her grandson Jack Ackerberg-Ramsey, who brought her immeasurable joy. She is also survived by her feline companions, Gus and Ping. A heartfelt thank you to her niece Nova Wightman and her cousin Sima Perry, for their unwavering love and support throughout her life and whose presence brought comfort and peace in her final days.

Memorial service SATURDAY July 18, 2026, 1 PM, Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435.

In lieu of flowers, donations honoring the life of Ann Schuler-Ackerberg may be made to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Children’s Theatre Company.