Shirley Anderson

Shirley Bernice Anderson, 80, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, December 27, 2008 at Lake Region Hospital. She was born on October 10, 1928 at the family farm in Stony Brook Township to Eilert and Alma (Torgrimson) Vikesland. She grew up in Grant County and was baptized and confirmed at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church. She attended District 29 School in Stony Brook Township through the eighth grade and then attended high school at West Central School (WCAA) in Morris. During her high school years she lived in Morris and worked several jobs at the school. After graduating from WCAA she began working at the Woolworth’s store in Fergus Falls and continued to work there for 5 years. On June 24, 1949, she married James Anderson at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church in Grant County. Together they raised their four children and made their home in Fergus Falls for the past 59 years. In 1952, Shirley began working as a nurses aide at Wrights Hospital, now Lake Region Hospital and retired in 1990 after 38 years of care giving service. In 1977, she began working part time at Hallmark gift store along with working at the hospital. At the time of her death she was still employed at Hallmark and had given 31 years of service. She always enjoyed working and spending time with her special co-workers.  She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Shirley loved to travel, meet for breakfast and coffee with her friends, and have fun weekend get-togethers with her sisters and cousins, but mostly she enjoyed spending time with her family. Shirley will always be remembered for her kind smile and warm and caring heart. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, James “Jim”; two brothers, Dorvin and Gordon Vikesland and a son-in-law, Wayne Eggersgluess. Survivors include her four children: Debra Anderson of Waite Park, Janice “Jan” (Tim) Van Wechel, Wayne (Beth) Anderson, and Carol (Bruce) Bopp, all of Fergus Falls; eleven grandchildren: Stacy, Blaine, Brian, Tanya, Melissa, Josh, Emily, Katie, Brooke, Derek, and Amanda; eight great-grandchildren: Drew, Dawson, Dylan, Delaney, Cole, Caden, Elle and newest great grandchild due in February; two step great grandchildren, Kaelyn and Dale; one brother, Roger Vikesland of Fergus Falls; two sisters, Lenore Stephens of Sabin and Erna (Jack) Abraham of Waite Park and several nieces and nephews. Visitation:    5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with a public prayer service at 6:30 p.m.  Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Service:  1 p.m. Tuesday at Zion Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls Clergy:   Reverend Marv Abrahamson Burial:    Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls