Ann Knollman

Ann Knollman (born Anna Veronica Materek) passed away in the early morning of Thursday, April 15, 2021 surrounded by loved ones.

Ann was born on July 14, 1941 in Hoboken, New Jersey where she also grew up. She graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station, New Jersey (now known as Saint Elizabeth University).  After graduation Ann taught elementary school at Wallace Elementary School in Hoboken, New Jersey. It was during this time that she met Dieter Knollman. They married in 1969.

In 1971 Ann and Dieter moved to Arvada, Colorado starting a whole new chapter of their lives.

Once in Colorado, Ann quickly began working, not for financial gain, but rather for local causes, local people and local Democrats. This work became more of a passion as she continued on in this direction and never stopped.

In 1989 Ann became the Legislative Aide to the Representative and later Senator Bill Theibaut. Her dedication and drive grew from this point on and she became quite active in the Jefferson County Democrats.

At one point or another Ann held just about every Democratic party office in Jefferson County. These include:
Captain-at-large
Financial Chair of Congressional District 7 (Ed Perlmutters’s district)
Chair of Jefferson County Democrats
Chair of State House District 29
Chair of Senate District 19
Chair of Jefferson County Rules Committee
Chair and cofounder of the Dem Fems
And her longest role: CD7 Chair

Ann has also been known to knock on doors to remind people to get out there and VOTE.

Ann Knollman’s driving force was responsible for helping elect every candidate for the district she chaired.

One of Ann’s proudest achievements (and proudest moment for her family) was in 2006 when she received the prestigious “Eleanor Award.”  This award is presented to someone who has exhibited distinguished honorable service. The award is given in honor of Eleanor Roosevelt who believed that all people deserve fair and equitable treatment. She also believed it appropriate to challenge injustice and often, to do so, you must stand up, speak out and create change. In doing this you may put yourself in direct opposition with others and you may have to disregard diplomacy. These may have been Eleanor Roosevelt’s thoughts but they also very clearly described Ann Knollman.

Ann was also very honored and proud to be chosen as one of Colorado’s Presidential Electors for three elections.

Ann’s family would like to express their appreciation to all of her Colorado friends for their kindness, friendship, and support given to Ann both recently and in the past. We would also like to express our personal gratitude to those who offered support and kindness to us while in Colorado during this sad and difficult time - Jake and Carrie Davis, Tracy Kraft-Tharp and her husband Vern, Congressmen Ed Perlmutter, Julia Hicks, Betty Johnson, and Heidi Caster

Her family has chosen to share some of the comments that appeared on Facebook after the news of Ann’s death was shared. Know these are comforting to her family. We appreciate all the good thoughts and kind words.

“Ann leaves a legacy and great memories.”
“Ann was a wonderful, knowledgeable, humble, and helpful woman.”
“She was the backbone of the Jeffco Dems.”
“The name Ann Knollman is synonymous with the word powerhouse.”
“Ann had great passion and commitment.”
“Icon in Jeffco politics.”
“Ann always had a sense of humor and a bright smile.”
“One of a kind.”
“One half of a pair to be reckoned with.”
“A good friend.”
“Hands on, hard worker.”
“A kind person.”

Although not on Facebook,  Ann’s long time dear friend, Julia Hicks, shared that throughout their almost 30 years of very close friendship she always looked upon Ann as the big sister she never had.

Ann was predeceased by her husband, Dieter Knollman, by her parents, Mary and Vincent Materek, by her four brothers, Joseph, Vincent, Adam and Theodore Materek, by her sister Helen Monaco, and by her pups Plato, Brandy, Daisy, and Shadow.

Ann is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Materek and by her loving nephews and nieces, Anthony and Jacqueline Materek, Joseph Materek, Rosemarie and Rob Conner, Michele and Tom Salvino, Helen Monaco, Raymond and Vincent Monaco and their families. She is also survived by her many great and great-great nieces and nephews: Britain, April, Juliet, Natalia, Samantha, Kristen, Theo, Max, Mariel, Melissa, Natalie, Forrest, Matthew S., and Matthew M.

Ann is also survived by her very dear Colorado family, Jake and Carrie Davis, and their children, Kailyn, Madison, and Barrett.

To her family she was and always will be our Auntie Anna. We love you Auntie Anna. You are now with God but you will always have a special place in our hearts and we will always hold our memories of you close. XXOO

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the following in her name: St. Elizabeth University, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The Community Table, or Friends of the Foothills Animal Shelter.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 5th, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Horan & McConaty, 7577 W. 80th Ave., Arvada, CO 80003. All guests are invite to join the family for a reception following the service.

Ann’s family is respectfully requesting that all those attending the service in person please wear face coverings.