Arlene M. Anderson

Arlene M. Anderson age 92 of Alexandria died on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Sharon’s Senior Services. A Funeral Service will be held 2:30 PM on Monday, October 19, 2015 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home on Sunday, October 18, 2015 and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. OBITUARY Arlene Marguerite (Whiting) Anderson was born February 11, 1923 in Alexandria, Minnesota to Clinton and Salin (Anderson) Whiting. Her family then moved to Pine City, MN where she attended Pine City Country School through the eighth grade. In her late teens she worked at Northern Pacific Hospital in St. Paul, MN. It was here she earned a free train ride to anywhere. Arlene went to Tacoma, WA to visit her aunt LaVina. This was during World War II, so Arlene stayed in Washington and went to work as a riveter for Boeing Aircraft. After the war ended, Arlene moved back to Alexandria where her mother and siblings lived. She boarded in Alexandria where she waitressed at Garden Center and often recalled those memories. On September 30, 1951, Arlene was united in marriage to Roland “Aldon” L. Anderson at Svea Lutheran Church in Alexandria. They bought their farm near Garfield in the fall of 1953. Arlene was always an extremely hard worker helping Aldon raising cattle and chickens. She stayed at home and raised their four children. In 1970, she got a job at Arrowwood in the laundry department. She later worked at Olson’s Supermarket, Knute Nelson and Elden’s. She enjoyed working outside the home for both income and social interaction that she enjoyed. Losing the love of her life, Aldon, in the fall of 2009 was very difficult for her. Progressive dementia made her unable to care for herself. She moved from the farm in 2010 to Bonnies Senior Haven, then to Sharon’s Senior Services in 2012. Arlene was a member of the Alexandria Ladies Auxiliary. Arlene loved her vegetable gardening and flowers. The farmyard was always so beautiful. She enjoyed canning, cooking and baking. There was never a day when you wouldn’t find a pan of cake, bars, cookies or donuts available. Arlene was a kind and gentle woman who enjoyed her family and friends and never had an unkind word about anyone. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her hospitality and making everyone feel welcome. She will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arlene died Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Sharon’s Senior Services at the age of 92. She is survived by her children, Susan (Bob) Ruhr of Alexandria, Kevin (Betty) Anderson of Alexandria, Kendon (Julie) Anderson of Alexandria and Tenley (Rick) Dvorak of Osceola, WI; twelve grandchildren, Lindsey (Craig) Scholts, Trenten Anderson, Tyler Anderson, Jordan Riley, Kate Anderson, Brandon (Meghan) Ruhr, Brittany Ruhr, Paige Dvorak, Jackson Dvorak, Troy Dvorak, Stacy (Troy) Schwartz, and Kelly (Travis) Branscome; great-grandchildren, Sydney Sholts, William and Elizabeth Riley; and three step great-grandchildren, Sydney, Carson, and Madison Schwartz; brother, Wayne (Gloria) Whiting of Alexandria; sisters, Shirley McFarlane and Lucille Asmund both of Cambridge; sisters-in-law, Lois Whiting of Alexandria, Dorine Whiting of Elk River, and LaVonne Peterson of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Salin; husband, Aldon; sister, Donna Mae Beilke; and brothers, Milton and Lee Whiting.

Arlene M. Anderson

February 11, 1923 - October 15, 2015