AnneMarie Worner

AnneMarie Worner

Life Story

AnneMarie (Nelson) Worner passed on to her new home in heaven January 6, 2026 with her husband at her side after a short battle with lung cancer and complications surrounding that diagnosis. She had come to Rochester, MN for care at Mayo Clinic the end of Nov. and moved to Hospice care during those 6 weeks, staying there with her husband Lannie and support from family. They were currently residing in Branson, MO.

AnneMarie Nelson was born on April 3, 1951, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Henry M. Nelson and Edna M. (Paulson) Nelson. As a young girl, she developed a deep love for horses, a passion that became a defining part of her childhood. She spent as much time as she could at her best friend's home, where she not only formed a close bond with her friend, but also with the horses they cared for. She rode whenever possible, learned how to care for them, and loved to try and perform tricks with them, a reflection of her fearless spirit.

Her family moved several times during her early years, from Detroit Lakes to Dunvilla, then to Pelican Rapids, then out to Bremerton WA, back to Pelican Rapids and finally to Breckenridge, MN. This is probably where she learned to embrace change and have a positive outlook on every situation, qualities she was known for throughout her life.

AnneMarie graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1969. That same year, she was crowned Miss Wilkin County Queen, a moment that captured her poise, personality, and presence. As part of the celebration, she performed her talent, dancing the Charleston, on WDAY TV in Fargo. It was one many moments that captured her willingness to step forward, share her gifts, and embrace life fully. With a scholarship from that contest she went on to attend North Dakota State College of Science, where she studied accounting, laying the foundation for a strong work ethic that would follow her throughout her life.

On October 11, 1970, AnneMarie was united in marriage to Lannie James Worner in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Together, they built a life grounded in commitment, shared purpose, and steady determination. From 1981 to 1999, they owned and operated Worner's Upholstery Company, working side by side each day. AnneMarie had always been a talented seamstress, often making dresses for herself and her daughters over the years. She used these talents to create incredible furniture for their customers. But, it was more than a business to them. It was a testament to their partnership, perseverance, and willingness to put in the hard work needed to support their family.

She and Lannie had 3 children, Jessie, LanaMarie and Robert. They were blessed to be able to provide a home that was a haven of love and safety for their family. The strong faith they found in Jesus Christ and their church family in Breckenridge, MN was a large part of their lives during these years of raising their family. The most important thing in AnneMarie's life was the Lord. She loved to study the Bible and learn more about God every day. She loved to spend time with Him. If you needed prayer, you called AnneMarie, she seemed to have a direct line to Him. She was very involved in their home church; serving in the kitchen, sewing costumes for church programs, Sunday School and Wednesday night teaching, and eventually earning her 'License to Preach', she gladly helped where she was needed.

AnneMarie's work life took a deeply meaningful turn as she felt called to serve through faith and ministry when her and Lannie moved to Tulsa, OK. She graduated from the Multimedia Institute at Oral Roberts University, embracing a path that aligned fully with her heart. In 1999, she began working with Oral Roberts Ministries as a prayer partner. Over the years, she faithfully served in a variety of roles, eventually becoming the Director of Telephone Ministries. Through her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication, AnneMarie touched countless lives, offering comfort, encouragement, and prayer to people in moments of need. She concluded her service with the ministry in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength and faithful leadership.

At the time, her and Lannie moved to Branson, MO and were able to semi-retire. Their children and grandchildren spent many fun family vacations visiting them over the past 13 years.

For the past 18 years, AnneMarie also worked with Alcott Ministries, continuing her lifelong calling to support those in ministry. She took great pride in serving the Lord by serving others, finding true joy in helping ministry leaders so they could remain focused on the work they were called to do. This was not simply her career. It was who she was. Her service flowed from a desire to lift others up, often quietly and without recognition, but always with love.

AnneMarie's life was marked by devotion, generosity, and an enduring faith that shaped everything she did. From her childhood days spent riding horses with fearless joy, to her years spent raising her children and then to dedicated service in ministry, she lived with purpose, love, grace and strength. She will be remembered for her steady presence, her servant's heart, and the many lives she touched along the way. Her life was a reflection of grace in action, and her impact will continue to be felt by all who knew her and all whose lives she helped shape.

Family

AnneMarie was preceded in death by her father Henry M. Nelson, mother Edna M. Nelson; her brothers, Henry Nelson, Jr., Eugene Nelson, and George Robert Nelson; and her brother-in-law Richard Habberstad.

She is survived by her husband, Lannie; her siblings, Jerome Nelson (wife Connie), EllenMaye (Nelson) Habberstad, Mary (Nelson) Backora (husband Dave).

AnneMarie is also survived by her children, Jessie Alison (Worner) Aamodt Powlish (husband James), LanaMarie (Worner) Rayhill (husband Shaun), Robert James Worner (wife Conny).

She was a loving grandmother to Brock, Wren, and Rei Aamodt, Axel and Vivienne Rayhill, and Kayla, Joselyn, Alexa, Delmer, Xander and Arlene Worner.

Celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Maxon Family Cremation & Life Celebrations in Rochester, with an hour of visitation prior.

The burial will be private at Fargo National Cemetery in Fargo, ND.

In lieu of flowers AnneMarie asked that you consider a donation to Alcott Ministries where she worked faithfully for the past 18 years.

AlcottMinistries.netviewshop.com/donate

AlcottMinistries.org