Verna O. Anderson

Verna O. Anderson, 94, formerly of Fergus Falls, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at Knute Nelson Grand Arbor in Alexandria, MN.

Verna was born June 7, 1925, to Martin and Josephine (Arntson) Haugrud, Pelican Rapids. She attended Sand Lake School in rural Pelican Rapids; she then attended Pelican Rapids High School, graduating in 1943. She was active in 4H and Rural Youth as a child. Verna loved picking wild berries and helping her mother make pies and can. Growing up, Verna worked hard on the family farm.

Verna was baptized and a confirmed member of Grove Lake Lutheran Church until 1946 when she became a member of First Lutheran (First English Lutheran) in Fergus Falls. From 1958 to 1962 Verna was a member of American Lutheran Church in Long Prairie.

Verna married Clarence Orville Anderson on June 16, 1946, at Grove Lake Lutheran Church in rural Pelican Rapids. They had six children, Orris (1947), Dale (1948), Janet (1949), Kathryn (1952), Arlan (1955), and Clare (1958).

Verna worked in Fergus Falls at Wright Hospital for a short time, where she met her future husband, Clarence. She was a stay-at-home mom until she and Clarence were empty nesters. Verna volunteered at the Salvation Army surplus store for several years in the 1980's. She also worked in the kitchen as a food server at Cleveland Elementary School from 1994-2007.

Verna was active in many church activities, including the Lutheran Women’s Circle and Luther League. Verna was also active for many years in the Ottertail County Gem and Mineral Club, serving as secretary.

Verna enjoyed traveling, visiting many states and Canada. She and Clarence made many trips to visit their kids and grandkids in Minnesota, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Washington. Verna loved working outside in her vegetable and flower gardens; she also enjoyed fishing, quilting, sewing, canning and baking. She especially enjoyed activities with family.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence, in 2004; son, Dale in 1948; siblings and their spouses, George Haugrud, Helen and Kenneth Lein, Milo Haugrud, Marvin Haugrud, Robert Haugrud, Violet and Donald Christenson, Orville Haugrud, Jeanette Aaberg, Mike and Pat Haugrud and Leroy Haugrud.

She is survived by her children, Orris Anderson of Canton, Michigan and Fergus Falls, Janet (James) Alfonse of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, Kathryn Anderson of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, Arlan Anderson (Kari) of Alexandria, and Clare (Pam) Anderson of Renton, Washington; grandchildren, Shannon (Anderson) Jarvi, Brant Anderson, Jennifer and April Teehan and Kristin Anderson; great-grandchildren, Briena, Dawson and Jocelyn Jarvi and Ryan Teehan; sisters-in-law, Marion Haugrud, Clarice Haugrud; brother-in-law, Obert Aaberg and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 9, 2019, at the Olson Funeral Home and will resume one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Service: 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at Olson Funeral Home Chapel, Fergus Falls, MN

Clergy: Chaplain David Strom

Interment: First Lutheran North Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls.
Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com