Annie Downing was born June 21, 1926, in Vienna, Austria. She survived the invasion of the Nazis, and Russian soldiers storming through the city.

She met and married her first husband, an American GI, Robert Mantzke. When the war was over, Robert was required to return to the U.S. with
his unit, leaving Annie to endure the trip from London to New York with the other war brides and her 18-month-old. They settled back in her husband's hometown of Freeport, IL. When her son was only 12, her husband was lost to a tractor accident, and she was suddenly a widow and single mother. She went to work for Micro Switch in Freeport. Years later through a friend's introduction she met and married Lyle Downing.

Annie was a committed member of her Lutheran community Church.

She is survived by her son Robert W. Mantzke Jr; grandson Robert B. Mantzke III and granddaughter Amy S. Mantzke. Also, her stepson, Michael (Sue) Downing and step grandson's Ryan Downing, Gregory Downing and Patrick Downing.

We loved her spirit and will miss her very much. Private family services will be held at a later date.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com