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Ann Marie Persico

November 12, 1972 ~ October 5, 2025

Born in: Hudson, Wisconsin
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota

Ann Marie’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

Ann Marie Persico, 52, of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 5th, 2025, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. She made her grand exit in Fargo, ND, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, questionable sports allegiances, and an impressive cat following.

Born on November 12, 1972, in Hudson, WI, to Jack and JoAnn Persico, Ann Marie entered the world as the youngest of seven siblings. She was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a BA in Journalism. Go Badgers!

She is survived by her husband, Jason Ruen, who somehow managed to tolerate her unwavering (and often loud) support of the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. She is also survived by her children, Ruby, Megan and Austin, as well as her siblings and their families: Larry and Sandi, Therese, Kim, Mary Jo and Tim, Tim, and Peggy and Mat. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

Ann Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and JoAnn Persico, her brother, Ed “Frogman” Persico, her niece, Katy Jo Filipiak, and her granddaughter, Lucy Ruen.

Ann Marie was a woman of many passions, including, but not limited to, traveling the world (wanderlust was her middle name, or at least it should have been), creating a cozy home, and showering her feline companions with affection. Her cats, Marvin and Mr. T (R.I.P.), Dexter (Her dark passenger), and Sookie (Stackhouse) were not just pets; they were her furry overlords, and she served them happily.

A caring daughter, sister, and aunt, Ann Marie cherished spending time with her parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews whether embarking on adventures or simply lounging by the lake, always plotting her next witty comeback.

In lieu of flowers, Ann Marie requested that donations be made to Cat’s Cradle Shelter in Fargo, ND. Because, really, who needs more flowers when there are cats to be saved?

Ann Marie will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure (or occasional misfortune) of crossing her path. Her humor, wit, and unwavering love for her family (and cats) will be remembered fondly. May her memory be a blessing…and may the Packers win another Super Bowl in her honor! Go Pack Go!

Services

Visitation: Saturday, October 18, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

Celebration of Life: Saturday, October 18, 2025 2:00 pm

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My deepest condolences to Ann Marie’s family. Sending prayers up! 🙏🏾✝️

  2. Her infectious cackling laughter will be missed at our family gatherings ❤️

  3. Jason and family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Ann-Marie. Thoughts and positive thoughts going up.
    Pam and Katherine

  4. My deepest condolences to Ann Marie’s family. Sending prayers and heartfelt thoughts for love and strength to carry them through this difficult time. May Ann’s soul rest in peace.

  5. I knew Ann Marie from our days at working together in Chicago. She was so fun to be around and I can still remember her laugh. I’m sending prayers of comfort to Jason and to the rest of Ann Marie’s family.

  6. Dear Jason and Family,
    Extending my condolences to you. I remember Ann Marie’s wonderful laugh and great sense of humor in the office at NAVTEQ all those years ago. Wishing you all prayers and comfort on your loss.

  7. I am so saddened to learn we have lost Ann Marie. She brightened every room she was in. Over the many years that we were colleagues and friends, she was always a joy to be around. May her memory forever be a blessing.

  8. Jason and Family,

    My deepest and most heartfelt condolences, Ann Marie was a bright light in this world and she will be missed.
    I’ll miss her laughter and lunch at Rick’s for the greasy burgers.
    Cindy

  9. So sorry for your loss Jason and family. I never crossed paths with Ann Marie at NAVTEQ and surely missed out. I went to the catscradleshelter site and donated and got some items from the Amazon wish list in her honor – what a nice idea from a fellow cat lover.

  10. Dear Jason,
    I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about your wife’s passing. I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but please know that I’m thinking of you and sending strength your way. If there’s anything you need—or if you just want to talk—I’m here.
    Take care,
    Raul

  11. I have so many wonderful memories of Ann Marie from the NAVTEQ days. It was hard not to smile when she was around.

    Jason, I can only imagine how you must feel. Sending nothing but love and prayers towards you and the family.

  12. Bonnie and Bob Jackson says:

    My wife, Bonnie and I knew Anne Marie through our daughter Karie. They were roommates while attending the UW in Madison. They remained very close friends. We followed her life journey via their friendship. We both were so sad to hear of her passing and send our prayers to the family. This was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person.

  13. Jason,

    I am very sorry for your loss, Jason. Condolences to you and your family. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

    Take Care,
    Jessy

  14. To my dear, beloved daughter-in-law, Anne-Marie, words cannot express the sorrow I feel for your loss. Anne-Marie, you were a quirky, incredible intelligent person who touched so many lives. I love you dearly, and I am thoroughly blessed to have known you, mama.

  15. A lovely lady who was always good to have on the team – bringing intelligence, energy, and humor. Rest in peace, Ann Marie.

  16. Jason,
    I am so sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.

    Shari

  17. Deeply saddened to hear of Ann Marie’s passing. She was truly someone special; her fiery spirit; gigantic heart; intelligence beyond measure… I worked with her at Appareo many moons ago, but we kept in touch over the years. (We share a serious love of cats.)
    To her family, sending heartfelt thoughts of comfort and strength during this difficult time. She will be missed by so many.

  18. My sincere condolences to all of Ann Marie’s loved ones. We grew up together in Hudson and I will always remember her amazing sense a humor. ❤️ One of my fondest memories – before social media! – is the day we realized we were neighbors in Chicago! We ran into each other in the grocery store. It was the greatest gift and we created some amazing memories. Love you my friend, may you rest in eternal peace.

  19. Jason, I am deeply saddened to hear about your wife’s passing. Please know that you, the children and other family members are in my thoughts and prayers.

  20. Dear Jason,

    Sending you my heartfelt condolences for your Ann Marie. My thoughts and prayers are out to you during this very
    sad and difficult time.

    Airin (HERE Technologies -The Netherlands)

  21. Jason and Family,
    Ann was a special childhood friend. We grew up together in Hudson, and our families were good friends. We also attended St. Patrick’s school together. I have so many fun memories of times spent with her— way too many to write. Her sense of humor was beyond compare! I will always remember going to prom with her and her date, watching movies in my basement, and sliding down the 7th St. steps together when we would walk home from school once a year in the fall.

    I have a feeling she is sharing some good laughs with her dad and mom in heaven. May she rest in peace. I am so sorry for your great loss; she was one in a million!
    With Love,
    Lauri Ann (Petersen) Heil

  22. Dear Jason,
    Words always are so inadequate- my deepest condolences to you and your family.
    Thinking of you all.
    Edie Olson

  23. Ann Marie was a beautiful soul and – she had the funniest commentary about just about any situation- from a very young age. I remember so many Thanksgiving dinners together and laughter always filled the room.
    A brilliant mind along with a warm heart. My condolences to her husband, and all of the cousins. 🙏🏼❤️ Love to you all.

  24. I grew up with Ann in Hudson and I have so many wonderful memories growing up. Ann and I were on the receiving end of lectures by the nuns at St. Pat’s many times together. I remember her making me noodles at her house growing up and she added too much pepper so she put ketchup on it and served it, not the most appetizing but gave us a giggle. Singing naughty songs together and feeling like we got it over the adults.
    Ann had an amazing spirit and to all who loved her, may you find comfort in her memory and loves!
    Go Pack Go!!! 💚🏈💛

  25. I am so sorry and sad to see this. Ann Marie was one of my favorite people that I ever worked with (Navteq). It was impossible not to laugh and have the best time when she was around. She will be greatly missed!

  26. Mary Jo and family, May only the warmest and beautiful memories wash over you all during this tough time. I am so sorry for your loss. With kindness, Staci Stermer

  27. Sorry for your loss my prayers go out to you

    Candice Hultman

  28. My deepest condolences to Annie’s family.
    I knew Annie from first grade through high School in Hudson. I remember our first day of first grade. I could tell it was a big & difficult transition for both of us. We grew up in the same parish, same school system in a small town. I’m sorry to learn of her passing. It feels like an extended family member has been lost. I’m grateful to have known Annie, she was positive person in my life. I’m sad to see her go. (Hugs & picture of a butterflie) ❤️ Kim (Schiltgen) Truog


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