Anna Anderson

Anna was born July 11, 1909 in rural Brandon, Moe Township, to Andrew and Emma (Luoma) Esala. Anna was baptized in the Lutheran faith. She was confirmed and instructed, in the Finnish language, at St. Paul?s Lutheran Church in Moe Township on July 27, 1924 by Rev. Meittinen. Due to the death of Anna?s mother at an early age, Anna became responsible for the care of her younger sister and brother. She assisted her grandmother, Anna Luoma, with many household tasks. Anna attended school in District 45 in Moe Township. On September 27, 1928 Anna was united in marriage to August E. Anderson at the Lutheran church parsonage in Alexandria, MN. Anna and August made their home on their farm in Moe Township. Anna was a great homemaker and assisted August with tending their farm animals and the fieldwork. Her pioneering spirit endured throughout her lifetime. As a member of West Moe Lutheran Church she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for twenty-five years. Anna enjoyed being an active member of the Ladies Aid. Anna also served the Moe 4-H Club as their leader for many years. Anna?s Finnish heritage was important to her and sauna time on Saturday evenings was a Finnish tradition she enjoyed her entire life. The lunch and social time were very special. In 1975 she and August moved to Brandon. They enjoyed hosting family and friends in their home. Everyone was made welcome and cookies and coffee were enjoyed. Anna was a giving person to her family and friends. She was called home to heaven on September 3, 2008 at Crestview Manor in Evansville, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, August E. Anderson; daughters, Shirley Ann Hermanson and infant, Delores Marie Anderson; granddaughters, Denise Sharlene Kosin and infant, Deborah Hermanson; three sisters, Hilda Silvola, Fanny Esala and Mayme Lyons; and three brothers, John, Eddie and Oscar Esala. Anna is survived by her daughter, Mae Eichelberger and husband, James, of Brandon; sister-in-law, Margaret (Mrs. Oscar) Esala; granddaughters, Anne Esala and Tammy (Steve) Kelzenberg; grandsons, Joel (Kay Lee) Eichelberger, Ross (Corrine) Eichelberger and Randy Hermanson; great granddaughters, Melissa, Ashley and Kiley Eichelberger; and many nieces and nephews. Blessed be her memory. A funeral service was held Saturday, September 6, 2008 at West Moe Lutheran Church. Rev. Don Clifford officiated. Music was provided by Barb Gulbranson and Peggy Weise. Interment in Brandon Cemetery will be private. Casket bearers included Gary Adamson, Joel Eichelberger, Ross Eichelberger, Charles Esala, Kenneth Esala and Charles Foslien. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.