Charlotte Anderson

Charlotte Ruth (Franks) Anderson, 75, a resident of rural Underwood, went to be with her Lord on Monday, April 25, 2011, at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born January 5, 1936, at her home in Park Rapids, Minnesota, the daughter of Melvin and Kathrine (Becker) Franks. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. She started her education at country school, District #66 and District #6, and then attended school in Park Rapids, graduating in 1954. Following her graduation she went to work as a babysitter and waitress. On April 7, 1956, she married Richard Anderson at St. Johns Lutheran Church. Their married life began in Park Rapids, and later they lived for a time in Hibbing. They were the parents of four children, Dawn, Mitch, Tammy, and Joe. Charlotte did child care for a number of years, and then started working with home health care. Her husband, Dick, got her started hunting in 1958, when she went on her first deer hunting trip at Lake George, MN. A few years later she started hunting for waterfowl and other big game. In time she took up archery as well. She enjoyed being able to volunteer for the Advanced Hunter Education Program, traveling and helping Dick with many clinics, deer classics, classes, and instructor training sessions. Charlotte found joy in tending her many flower gardens, and bird watching – hummingbirds were one of her favorite birds. Her gift of reaching out and giving to others, even during her illness, made her an inspiration to everyone. As a youth she was a member of the Straight River 4-H Club, enjoying several clothing projects. She was involved in teaching Sunday School and served as Superintendent for many years. She taught at St. Johns Lutheran in Park Rapids, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Fridley, Faith Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran in Fergus Falls, and at Norway House in Manitoba. She served as a co-coordinator of the prayer chain group at Trinity Lutheran Church for many years, and found great reward in that mission. Her faith in God was an ever present guide throughout her life. Preceding her in death were her parents, a sister, Marjorie Town, and an infant brother. Survivors include her husband, Richard “Dick” Anderson; four children: Dawn (Kevin Snow) Anderson of Jamestown, ND, Mitch (Carolyn) Anderson, Tammy (Mike) Hoff, and Joe (Joyce) Anderson, all of Fergus Falls; ten grandchildren: Heather Eggen, Brent (Lindsie) Eggen, Ashley (Tyson Tormey) Maragos, David (Jenny) Johnson, Aaron (Andrea) Johnson, Chris (Ashley) Hoff, Kendell (Nate) Gray, Taran Hoff, and Cody and Kyle Anderson; and four great-grandchildren: Ally and Becca Johnson, and Nadia and Brody Gray. Also surviving are three sisters: Virginia (Bill) Guegel, LaMae James, and Beverly (Allan) Pearson, all of Park Rapids. Visitation: 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2011, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Curtis Deterding Interment: Trinity-Faith Cemetery in Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls