Lola Anderson

Lola Marie Anderson, 80, died on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND from critical injuries sustained in a car accident on Monday, June 28.

Born in Alexandria, MN on May 27, 1941 to Carl W & Anna Anderson, she never lived more than a mile from Echo Lake on which she was raised.  She attended grade school in Holmes City and was a member of the first class that graduated from the “new” Jefferson Senior High School in 1959.

Lola was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She was active church member, teaching Sunday school, singing the choir, participating in WELCA, Bible studies and Prayer Shawl Ministry along with holding numerous positions on different committees.

On October 14, 1961, Lola Anderson married David Anderson which made it unnecessary to change her last name. Together they purchased a farm on the east side of Lake Rachel that same year and looked forward to celebrating 60 years together on the farm this coming October.

As a farm wife, her top priority was caring for her family. She always had a large garden and plenty of flowers to care for. Each summer, she canned hundreds of quarts of fruit sauce, pickles and tomatoes along with freezing bags of corn, other vegetables and berries. She excelled at both cooking and baking. When the farm evolved from just beef cattle into a large hog operation, she spent many hours working in the farrowing barn. Even with the busyness of farm life, there was time to enjoy fishing, watching the kids swim or gathering with friends for picnics on shore of Lake Rachel.

Being an active part of her community was important. She served as an adult 4-H leader, was part of the Rose Hill-Trinity Cemetery Association, served thousands of pork chops as a member of the Douglas County Pork Producers and helped plan the 2008 Holmes City Sesquicentennial.

On December 26, 2004, Lola received the Gift of Life when blessed with a Kidney transplant due to polycystic kidney disease.  She became an advocate for donation thru Life Source participating in events, speaking publically regarding donation and having a booth at the Douglas County Fair.

Celebrations, whether it be birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or any other reason the gather with family and friends were planned and executed with ease. From decorations to delicious food, she enjoyed planning every detail. We look forward to celebrating with her once again when we too reach our heavenly home.

Lola was preceded in death by her parents, sister Renee and an infant sister, Lorayne.

She is survived by her husband, Dave Anderson of Farwell, daughter, Darla (Jim) Engstrom; son, Daren (Dana) Anderson; grandchildren, Kaylee Anderson and Sawyer Anderson all of Alexandria.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, 4:00 - 7:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Visitation will continue on Thursday, July 8, 2021, 12:00 – 1:00 PM at the church with a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM. Burial follow at Van Loon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the First Lutheran Church Building Fund or Van Loon Cemetery.