Ann Trousdale Clapper, at 75

Ann Trousdale Clapper died August 4, 2026 at The Current South Shore, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. She was 75.

Ann grew up on a dairy farm in central Iowa and was the third of four daughters born to Max and Ardith (Cundall) Trousdale in Hampton, Iowa. She was a bright and curious child who always seemed ready for her next adventure. In high school, she joined a rock band, and after college she traveled throughout Europe – early glimpses of the curiosity, independence, and sense of adventure that would stay with her throughout her life.

Ann devoted her professional life to education. Her remarkable career took her from teaching five students in a one-room country schoolhouse in western South Dakota to educational leadership positions across the Midwest and, eventually, to Seoul, South Korea, where she served as director of Korea International School, a pre-K–12 school with 850 students and more than 100 faculty members. She later became an associate professor of practice at North Dakota State University, where she worked with and mentored educators through the Teacher Leader Academy. Her work in education was recognized with numerous awards, including the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service. She retired from North Dakota State University in 2020.

Retirement brought Ann and Jim to Hull, where she moved in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. It was a new chapter in a new place, and Ann quickly found a sense of belonging in the warmth of the Hull community. She loved the town, the ocean, and the people she met there. Outside of her work, Ann found joy in baking, reading, traveling, and, especially, spending time at the family’s lake place in Minnesota. Some of her family’s favorite memories are of Ann at the big kitchen island, baking with the lake stretching out beyond the windows. There were always yummy treats to share, along with good conversation, laughter, and time together. It was one of the places where Ann was happiest and most at home. Ann had a generosity that made people feel cared for and a sense of humor that could make people laugh even when things were difficult. She was deeply interested in the world around her and loved learning, exploring, and sharing experiences with the people she loved. Her family will remember not only the many things she accomplished, but the warmth and joy she brought to the people around her.

Ann is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jim Clapper; daughter Kiley (Eric); grandson Vade; sisters Kaye Yeoman of Jacksonville, Florida, Jill Olsen (Dick) of Chicago, and Mara Trousdale of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews. Ann leaves behind a life full of love, laughter, adventure, and connection. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.