Ann Marie (Hirrlinger) Desmuke entered this life on February 4, 1941, and departed it on February 1, 2023. She was the elder daughter of John and Florence (Meyer) Hirrlinger of Cheverly, Maryland, and married Robert Desmuke on August 25, 1967.

She graduated from the University of Miami, where she studied Spanish and Latin American affairs. After college, she traveled to Spain and North Africa before becoming a secretary in the U.S. Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, working for the political officer. On her return to the U.S. she continued working for the State Department. She met her husband in Managua where he also worked for the State Department. She resided in Virginia, Maryland, and Texas before moving to Springfield in 1990.

Ann had a number of interests. She rode a camel in Morocco, drove her beloved Chevelle through the hills of Guatemala, and was on a rifle team that placed third in a national competition.   Ann had a green thumb and enjoyed her plants, especially growing pineapples in her sun room. She was an avid collector and reader of cooking and gardening books.

She leaves behind her husband, of Springfield; two children, Christine of Topeka, Kansas, and Alex of Springfield; a sister, Susan Jendrek of Maryland; and a boisterous four-legged friend named Kodi.

Graveside service will be held Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM in Missouri Veterans Cemetery.