Reverend L. Jerome Anderson

Rev. L. Jerome “Jerry” Anderson was born in Marshall County, the son of Leroy and Amanda Anderson, on August 20, 1929.  He was baptized and confirmed at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Strandquist, MN.  He graduated from Strandquist High School in 1947.

He enrolled at the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1950 from the University College of Mortuary Science.  He worked first as a mortician at Vertin’s Funeral Home in Breckenridge and then at Dare’s Funeral Home in Elk River and later at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

It was at Breckenridge in 1950 that he met a Kindergarten Teacher by the name of Ann Anderson.  After a courtship of three years, during that time he served in the Navy for 2 years, they were united in marriage at Bethel Lutheran Church in Hoffman, MN.

In 1957 Jerry could no longer resist the call into the ministry.  They sold their home in Alexandria and moved to Rock Island, Illinois for six years of education and preparation for the ministry.  During this time Ann taught Kindergarten to keep the family alive.  Jerry was ordained in the Holy Ministry of the Lutheran Church in America (later ELCA) at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria on May 26, 1963.  He accepted a call to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minneota and Lincoln Lutheran Church, Ivanhoe, MN.

Four Children were born in the Anderson union.  One daughter Marne died in infancy.  Surviving are his wife Ann of 67 years, son Lon and Deb and their three children; son Jeremy, daughter Danielle and husband Patrick, daughters Lydia and Hallie, and daughter Nicole; daughter Kim and Tom and their four children; son Kai and wife Jazman, daughter Adeline, son Leif, daughter Leigh and husband Greg Gladden, daughter Presley, and son Dane; daughter Jana.  Lon and Jana have been their care givers for the past 10 years.

Jerry is preceded in death by Parents Leroy and Amanda, daughter Marne Marie and daughter-in-law Becky and brother’s Ardis and Eugene.

Jerry deeply loved his wife and their children and their families.  He loved the Lord and the Church of Jesus Christ, particularly the churches he served in Minnesota especially his call to found Advent Lutheran Church which he developed and organized, serving as Senior Pastor for 28 years.  During his tenure at Advent Pastor Jerry saw the need for a community assistance program which he founded.  C.R.O.S.S. was organized in 1974 and continues to serve the Northwest Community of the Twin Cities currently in Rogers, MN.

A private family services will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN at 11:00am and live streamed due to the pandemic.  Burial will be held at Bethel Cemetery in Hoffman, MN.

Memorials from the funeral go to C.R.O.S.S. in Rogers, MN or Bethel Cemetery in Hoffman, MN