Ann “Annie” Bochniak, 64, of Galena, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with her family by her side. Her final day on earth was “glorious,” as she kept repeating as she spent the day creating final memories with her grandchildren in the warmth and sunshine. The day was full of love, laughter, and special moments her family is holding close. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 25, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call from 10 AM until the time of mass. There will also be a visitation from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena. Following the mass, cremation rites will take place. Annie was born on October 31, 1960, in Chicago, IL, to Reilly and Bertha (Gutierriz) Johnson. Her parents migrated from Cuba to provide their children with a better life and more opportunities. She grew up on the North Side of Chicago and attended Northeastern University in Chicago to pursue a career in teaching. While in college, she worked at a bank and met her future husband, Ed Bochniak. After several months of being “friends” and working together, they were married on June 16, 1984, and spent the next 40 years building a loving family together. Annie was passionate about teaching and dedicated to guiding her students toward a brighter future; education was her life’s work. She taught at various schools in Chicago until she and Ed moved to Galena in June 1999, where they established their roots and became integral members of the Galena community, which they cherished as their home. Her love for her students at River Ridge School was unparalleled, and her determination to positively impact their lives through education was truly a gift from God. Annie will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother (“Nani”), and friend. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Ed; two daughters, Christine (Kyle) Melaas and Emily (Brady Box) Bochniak; a son, Nathan (Nikka) Bochniak; four grandchildren, Clara and Henry Melaas, and Reagan and Riley Bochniak; and a brother, Reilly Johnson Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents and her in-laws, Joseph and Mary Bochniak. In tribute to Annie, a woman who devoted her career to education and to enriching the lives of every student who entered her classroom, her family has established the Ann Bochniak Scholarship. In lieu of flowers, donations to the scholarship are encouraged. The funds will be allocated to the River Ridge District #210 Special Education Department, where she taught and cherished every student and faculty member. Donations can be made at First Community Bank of Galena under the Ann Bochniak Scholarship. You may call the bank at 815-777-6300 to donate in your name, or you can stop by in person or mail your contribution to First Community Bank of Galena, attention Marce Doyle, 101 Exchange St., Galena, IL 61036. Thank you for your love, support, and generosity in helping continue Annie’s passion for education.
Ann “Annie” Bochniak
To Ed and kids–such a shock to hear of Annie’s passing. You are in our prayers as we mourn your/our loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Ed and family so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for the family’s loss. She was my son’s teacher in middle school. She was an amazing teacher! She will be greatly missed
Heartfelt condolences to Ed, his family and all who loved her. She sounds like a wonderful woman who touched many lives. My prayers for comfort and peace to all.
Cathy Nichols
We are so sorry for the loss of Mrs. Bochniak, who was an amazing teacher who made every student feel special. We fondly remember our early days at St. Alphonsus with the Bochniak family
Ed & Family –
We loved Annie dearly and will forever cherish the wonderful memories we shared. Her kindness and generosity touched us deeply. She will be truly missed.
Joe, Kelly, Nick & Mia Tassone
Ed and family
Wow this is such a shock. Annie was such a wonderful woman and I am glad I could call her friend. . She is truly missed by so many. May you all find comfort in knowing that she will always be watching over you until you all meet again. My sincere condolences for her loss. Hugs to you all
So very sorry for your loss. She Truely was a lovely women My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family
Such a shock and such a wonderful lady.You will be missed by all who knew you. Thank you so much for being Becky’s second Mom for so long. Her and Christine were quick the duo. Praying for the whole family
What a shock and what a wonderful lady. You will be missed by all who knew you Annie. Thank you so much for being Becky’s second Mom I know she loved you so much. Praying for you and your entire family.
Heartfelt condolences to the Bochniak family. Hugs, prayers and love to you all.
Annie was a childhood friend from 1st grade through 12th. I recall many happy memories going to her house after school and her mom graciously allowing us to be silly girls with her brother eye rolling at our silliness. We shared our Halloween birthday and I thought of my birthday buddy on our special day. On occasion our paths would cross, St Al’s or St Ben’s reunions. I met her daughter once…beautiful young lady. She was proud of her family. Such a sweet, kind person Annie was. I hope the family finds peace in knowing she made the world a better place. May she rest in peace.
Alicia Weidenbach Fontanetta
My dear cousin Annie we are all devastated, I can still hear your voice feel your energy and your sweet soul. May the Lord keep you safe until we are all together again.
Our deepest condolences to Eddie, Christine, Nathan and Emily. We are so sorry for your loss. Annie was a true teacher put in this world to teach those “special” students who needed her most. She will be missed greatly by all of us whose hearts she touched.