Service Information
Lorraine Anderson, age 98, of Hector, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be Thursday, October 12, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in Hector.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Thursday, for one hour prior to the service, all at the Church.
Memorials preferred to the Hector United Methodist Church.
Interment will have been held at the family cemetery in Nerstrand, Minnesota.
Obituary
Lorraine Anderson, age 98, of Hector, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. A Celebration of Lorraine’s life will take place Thursday, October 12, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in Hector, with a reception following. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment has been held at the family cemetery in Nerstrand, Minnesota.
Ever curious about the world around her, after 98 years here, Lorraine Anderson has a new place to explore. Born June 15, 1919 in Nerstrand, Minnesota, to parents Herbert and Esther (Bosshardt) vonWald, Lorraine died in Hutchinson, Minnesota on October 4, 2017.
Lorraine was raised on the family dairy farm in Nerstrand with her parents and brother Kenneth. She attended country school and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1937. She graduated from Macalester College with a degree in English in 1941. At different periods in her life, she used her education as an early pioneer in the field of teaching those with learning disabilities. She was an active member of her church, particularly the Women’s Society of Christian Service, or “Ladies Aid.” Her almond angel food cake was a big hit at the annual church bazaar.
Lorraine began her teaching career in Fairfax, Minnesota. In 1943 she married Dr. Chester A. Anderson. Life was interrupted by World War II as Chet (Doc) served overseas. Upon his return, they established career and family in Hector, Minnesota. The four Anderson girls were raised in Hector, and after their divorce, Lorraine returned to teaching there. She remained a resident of Hector until a few months before her death when her health declined significantly.
Although she called Hector home for over 65 years, Lorraine loved to learn about and visit different places and cultures. She traveled to all fifty states as well as overseas trips including Germany and Switzerland, the homeland of the Bosshardt and vonWald families. She was well read and a daily reader of the newspaper. Lorraine enjoyed one-on-one conversations with friends, sharing their lives close to home and current events around the world.
Lorraine was proud to cultivate a good home for her girls and for her friends that filled her life. She hosted bridge, enjoyed her flowers, and cooked memorable chicken dinners. She will be remembered by her grandkids for hamballs on holidays and great Easter egg hunts around her large yard. Summers by Bay Lake, Hay Lake, or Big Kandiyohi grounded her growing family in the importance of time together. Those memories are what her nine grandkids cling to as they are now spread around five states and China. Lorraine had much to be proud of, but this sense of home is her greatest legacy.
She is survived by her daughters and their families:
Linda and John Roebke and daughters Mary (Brad) Cerka and Elizabeth (Erik) Sillerud;
Polly and Jack Kielkucki and sons Marc (Sarah) Kielkucki and Scott (Kimy) Kielkucki;
Julie Anderson and children Christian Spurlock and Katherine Spurlock;
Carolyn and Bob Holmsten and children Sarah (Matt) Sinclair, Kevin Holmsten, and Anne Holmsten;
as well as six great-grandchildren: Lauren Cerka, Marit and Soren Sillerud, Maren and Tessa Sinclair, and Johnny Lu Kielkucki.
Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents, brother Kenneth, and former husband Dr. C. A. Anderson.
Lorraine’s family extends a sincere thank you to all the loving caregivers at Prairie View of Hector and Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the care and kindness shown to Lorraine and her family.
Jenny Meslow says
Sending heartfelt condolences to you all as you honor your Mother’s life, a life well lived. We loved the comment in Lorraine’s obituary that she is now exploring a whole new place. What beautiful imagery! Grandpa Ken and our son Peter have no doubt welcomed her with open arms. Love to you all, Doug and Jenny Meslow
Shirley Paulson says
Linda, My sympathies on your mother’s passing. God grant you peace and comfort.