Ruth Ann Ahnen describes herself as a lifelong learner, adventurer, and someone who thrives on making a positive impact on others. She grew up in New Berlin and later St. Louis, where she swam competitively and became a state champion. After attending Mizzou, Ruth Ann embarked on a variety of adventures—from managing a Christian bookstore to hospitality aboard a small cruise line. It was during one of the dockings in Annapolis that she met her husband, who was a midshipman at the time.
Over the years, they’ve lived all over the country due to his career in the Navy, but they always wanted to return to the Midwest. They settled here in 2005 to raise their two wonderful children, Katie and Matthew.
Their daughter Katie’s rare metabolic condition inspired Ruth Ann to raise funds for the Cystinosis Foundation, which included running the New York City Marathon and trekking to Everest Base Camp at 50.
In her personal life, Ruth Ann embraces challenges that push her physically and mentally, from climbing Kilimanjaro at 55 to completing an Ironman at 60, and most recently running a three-day Trailfest in the mountains and desert. Her motto is simple: You’re never too old, and it’s never too late. She loves traveling with her husband, especially if it involves hiking, and she cherishes quiet moments paddleboarding or catching up with friends over coffee.
About Ruth Ann Ahnen
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for 35 years. We have 2 grown children, Katie and Matthew and 2 Aussies, Gemma and Bear.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am the head swim coach of the AHS girls swim team. I also teach private swim lessons at the WAC lake country and put on swim clinics for triathletes. Coaching has become one of my greatest passions. I’ve been at Arrowhead High School since 2008, and as head coach for the last 11 years, I’m incredibly proud of the program’s success—not just in the pool, but in the community. Our team has consistently collected thousands of cans of food for the Hartland food pantry, and this year we set a new record, delivering 7 SUV and 3 truckloads of canned goods—nearly 10,000 pounds in total. Additionally, we raised over $20,700 for Make-A-Wish, making us the top contributor to the Milwaukee Walk for Wishes, surpassing even large corporations with just 38 team members.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I love to help others reach their goals and teach kids how to swim.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
I look at everything as lessons or blessings. I’ve had plenty of both.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Seeing that child swim on their own or see a triathlete gain confidence in their swim and helping high schoolers exceed their goals.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Take the first step and reach out to others and ask for advice.
Ruth Ann Ahnen & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
We love living in Lake Country because it truly has everything! From beautiful lakes to endless biking and hiking trails, the natural beauty here is unmatched. The area is filled with charming small-town communities, each offering unique shops, farmers markets, and incredible restaurants. What makes it even more special are the people—friendly, welcoming, and always ready to lend a hand. We also love the fairs and festivals that bring the community together, especially in the summer. There’s always something fun and exciting to do, making Lake Country the perfect place to call home.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Too many to name! I do have to give a shout out to my Tribabe teammates. These women inspire me all the time.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Birch and Banyon and Brewers Two on Pewaukee lake. I love to sit and have coffee with friends or meet for our weekly bible study.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Home, Community, Nature.
For Fun
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I love biographies and documentaries. A favorite is Jiro Dreams of Sushi.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus, the team, my family and friends.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Lemonade.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
I would love to have lunch with Jackie Hering or Sunny Stroeer- both incredible role models in triathlon and thru hiking.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To do a long thru hike out west and the Camino in Spain.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Being outdoors on a long hike with my husband or friends.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
You’re never too old and it’s never too late.
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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