Ann Arvid Wissinger was born in Pennsylvania about 1936 to Dr. Zoner Wissinger, a dentist, and his wife, Marie Knape. Dr. Wissinger was born in Cambria County, and his wife in Boston. In addition to Ann, they had a son, H. Andrew, who became an orthopedic surgeon.

Ann Wissinger married Robert L. Atkison.