Like many have said, Miss Upmeyer changed my life. I received encouragement from her that I had never received before. While I was in High school I suffered such low self esteem. I. truly believe she saved my life and pointed me in a direction I never thought was possible. After the training and guidance I received from her I went to get my BFA in theater and then a MFA in costume and set design. Upon receiving my degrees I went ion to work professionally In theater for many years and now a career in film. It was the love and dedication to the theater that she showed us all, through her example, that has given me the life and career that I have. I have always dreamed of being able to tell her that and to thank her. I hope she knows how very much she was loved by all of us who’s lives she touched.

Anne Upmeyer was the force that rapidly built the powerful speech and theater programs at Nora Springs-Rock Falls High School in the late 1970's. Before she arrived on the scene, school plays and speech were passe, with few students taking part, but by Anne's second year, NS-RF had one of the most acclaimed and envied speech programs in Iowa, and we were regularly sending 20 or more entries to the State Speech contest, bringing home trophies and multiple medals. Through her hard work, talent, and dedication, some of the finest theater productions ever seen at our school came to life, bringing packed audiences to their feet in tears and with cheers: "The Miracle Worker," "Li'l Abner," "South Pacific," "Our Town," and "The Velveteen Rabbit" among them. She was also a energetic, charismatic, and inspirational English teacher; a short story I wrote for her sophomore English class became my first published work. I am deeply honored to have known Anne, and I know many of my friends and classmates from NS-RF are brokenhearted by her passing, as am I. Be a butterfly, Anne!

Miss Upmeyer, as I will always remember her by, believed in me. She was a gifted teacher, giving doses of encouragement and straight forward critique. I loved her laugh and wild expressions.The signs backstage "Acting is Reacting" and "Be A Ham" helped me be a better performer (especially in productions where I now know I had little grasp on the underlying story line.) Miss Upmeyer trusted us with the characters and pushed us to gain a richer understanding of the emotions swelling up inside them. Thank you, Miss Upmeyer, you made a difference in the lives of many- I know you changed my life.

Miss Upmeyer changed my life. I was very fortunate to have had her as my English teacher and director of four plays at Nora Springs - Rock Falls. Because of her, theatre continues to enrich my world to this day. My heart is heavy, and grateful for having been blessed with her talents.

I, regrettably, never had Anne as a teacher but she was the "relatably cool adult neighbour" and good friend of my parents while she and Roger taught at the International School in Kuala Lumpur. I looked after their German Shepherd while they were on Summer vacation for pocket money. Anne was one of the clutch of teachers that lived in the neighbourhood.

We were invited to her production of 'The Miracle Worker' at ISKL and it was that production which opened my mind to the fact that drama was accessible to students my age (I went to a local school where The Arts weren't taught at all). It wasn't a thing that just suddenly happened, you suddenly didn't become an actor. You were taught it, and I wanted Anne Beermann to teach me.

When it came to the point in my mid teens to choose schools to go to for further education, one option was to stay in Malaysia and go to ISKL. I would've done that for Anne's drama programme. Instead I moved to England and have been acting for over 20 years. In 2011 when I was given the opportunity to perform in New York, Anne and Roger flew in and watched. I was so grateful to be able to say to her,'Thank You' for inspiring me to go on to make work as an actor. I now mentor young graduates and facilitate workshops for plays, spreading the craft. Not because Anne put the dream in me, but she showed me that it could be real.

With love,

Jamie Zubairi

Anne was my English teacher, director, and speech coach for my freshmen through junior years at Nora-Springs-Rock Falls High School. She cast me as Helen Keller in the Miracle Worker and as Banana Shaughnessy in the House of Blue Leaves. I was assistant director for Harvey, and was in the cast of Godspell. She was instrumental in my life. I was with her when she fell down the bleachers and broke both arms. But she saved the sound control box she was carrying. She was passionate about theatre, and she brought that into my life when confidence was important to a young teenage girl in a small town in Iowa. I am thankful that she was my teacher.

The Class of '59, North High School wish to extend our condolences to you, Roger,

in the loss of your lovely wife, Anne.

Our class needed you. Your music talent, which became your occupation, and your

congenial personality were so enjoyed. Our memories, though long ago, are many.

You and Anne must have had a wonderful life together teaching and traveling. As

teachers, you had much to give; world travel would be so much fun and the greatest

way to learn. We send caring sympathy and a wish for your memories to bring you

comfort. Friendships formed in school still remain.

Sincerely,

Classmates from the West Union days.

Dear Roger,

Please except my deepest sympathies in the loss of your beautiful wife Anne. I didn't know Anne but played French Horn for you at Postville High School in the 70's.

Lori

Dear Bob and Nancy,

Sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. I remember reading about your sister's activities in the Solon paper when I was growing up. She was an inspiration to me during those formative years. Our Deepest Sympathy to the entire family.

David and Malinda Dittberner Poduska

Please accept my sincere condolences

Bruce and I taught with Anne and Roger in Shanghai and we remember Anne well for her warmth and humor. May her gentle soul rest in peace, knowing that she will be missed by the many people who loved her. My favorite memories include grabbing foot massages together on our way home from school in Shanghai, and sharing music on the occasional Friday evenings at that little pub on the second floor in our immediate neighborhood that Robert Johnson helped open. Open mic and cold beer. Our hugs to you, Roger.

Anna Koloseike

I am very sad to hear of Anne’s passing. I worked with Anne and Roger at Shanghai American School. Anne was instrumental in setting up the theatre after it was built. I have always known Anne to have a smile on her face and she always shared a clever anecdote. She was charming and hard working and gave her 100+% for the students. She will be missed. My condolences for this sweet lady.