Vivian Anderson

Vivian Ann Anderson was born on October 12, 1937, in Akeley, MN, the daughter of Wallace and Alvina (Wendorf) Bohmbach. She graduated from Akeley High School in 1955 and continued her education in teaching by graduating from Bemidji State College in 1957. She began her teaching career in Babbitt, MN, for four years and then moved to Alexandria to teach at Lincoln Elementary School. Vivian met her future husband Elwood Anderson in the fall of 1962 through mutual church friends. She married Elwood in July of 1964 in Alexandria. Together they lived on a farm near Garfield, MN, and raised three children, Kathryn, Brent, and Colleen. She took a break from teaching and stayed at home to raise her children and to help out on the farm. Vivian loved gardening, especially growing fruits and vegetables for canning in the fall. She also was involved in 4-H during her children?s younger years and earned many blue ribbons at the County Fair. She started teaching again when her children were older. She taught elementary school through Title I and was a substitute teacher for area schools for a number of years. Vivian was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She had the ability to listen to one?s needs and concerns. She then helped and prayed for those in need. Vivian was always a hardworking, and humble woman who lived by the motto, ?Others before self.? Throughout Vivian?s life she instilled in her family and the ones around her, the faith she had in the Lord. Through Vivian?s daily prayers she gave a sense of hope and comfort to her family, friends, and those in need. Vivian taught Sunday school at the Covenant Church for many years and also joined the sewing group at the church. She supported Christian missions in her life, financially, prayerfully, and through her volunteer work. Vivian will be missed by those who loved and knew her. Vivian A. Anderson died on Friday, October 24, 2008, at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria at the age of 71. She is survived by her husband of 44 years Elwood Anderson of Garfield, MN; children Kathryn (Monte) Wagner of Chandler, AZ; Brent (Karen) Anderson of Savage, MN; Colleen (Douglas) Schneider of Alexandria; grandchildren Kristian Martinson, Anne Wagner, Abigail Wagner, Elizabeth Kuntz, Jacob Kuntz, Lindsey Anderson, Amelia Anderson, Chloe Schneider, and Gabriel Schneider; brother Norman (Vivian) Bohmbach of Waseca, MN; sisters Carole Anderson of Washington Court House, OH; and Lorraine (Richard) Sauer of Bemidji, MN; nieces, nephews and cousins. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Earl Anderson. A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday October 28, 2008, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Alexandria with the Reverend John LeVahn officiating. Interment was in the Oak Hill Cemetery near Garfield, MN. Casket Bearers were Ron Bjurlin, Wes Bjurlin, Bert Englund, Les Luedtke, Calvin Martinson, and Roger Rosengren.