Irma Anderson

Irma Anderson, age 88 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully at CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, on Sunday, April 5, 2015, surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Greg Paffel will officiate with Rev. Andrew Marthaler and Rev. Mike Kellogg concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the church in Sauk Centre.

Irma Emily (Hagedorn) Anderson, daughter of Eugene and Julida (Koeplin) Hagedorn, was born at her parents' home on September 7, 1926, in rural Brandon, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Brandon and attended District 37 Country School. Her family moved into Brandon when her parents purchased the Shell Log Cabin (filling station and restaurant). Irma graduated from Brandon High School in 1944. Upon completion of high school, she attended St. Gabriel's School of Nursing in Little Falls, Minnesota, graduating as a registered nurse in 1947. When finished with her schooling, Irma worked at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Alexandria, Minnesota.

On June 16, 1948, Irma was united in marriage to Alex "Gus" Anderson, Jr. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria. To this marriage, seven children were born. Following their marriage, Irma and Gus made their home in Alexandria for a short period of time. They then moved to Sauk Centre where they started their own business, Anderson Florist, owning and operating this business from 1948 to 1985. Also after moving to Sauk Centre, Irma was hired on the first nursing staff of St. Michael's Hospital, working here for a few years, as well.

While working in the floral business and throughout her married life, Irma thoroughly enjoyed designing beautiful floral pieces. She was very creative and talented and enjoyed working with her hands. Irma also enjoyed sewing for her children and grandchildren and was always willing to help out with any crafty project, as well. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, working the daily crossword puzzle, crocheting, bird watching, playing Scrabble, an occasional trip to the casino, and singing songs from the 40's, in two-part harmony, with her husband, Gus. "Silent Night" was always a tradition at Christmas, singing together with her family. Irma will be remembered for her self-giving qualities, always putting others before herself.

She is survived by her three sons, James (Barbara) Anderson, Sauk Centre, Charles (Nancy) Anderson, Sauk Centre, John Anderson, Alexandria; two daughters, Cheryl (Jerry) Keller, Nashua and Janet Anderson, Sauk Centre; daughter-in-law, Jean Anderson, Grey Eagle; ten grandchildren, Bobbie Jo Anderson-Sogge, James J. Anderson, Ryan Anderson, Bret Anderson, Brooks Anderson, Blake Anderson, Kayla Anderson, Sr. Marie Johannah Keller, Emily Alvey, and Brady Keller; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex "Gus", on April 19, 2012; her parents; two sons, Robert (1969) and William (2014); granddaughter, Bethany Ann Keller; sister, Ruth Bylund.

Serving as casket bearers will be Ryan, Bret, Brooks, and Blake Anderson, Jerry Keller, and John Sogge. Cross bearer will be Ian Sogge and scripture bearer will be Kayla Anderson. Mass server will be Brady Keller. Gift bearers will be Bobbie Jo Anderson-Sogge and Dylan Sogge. Lector will be Sister Marie Johannah Keller. Honorary bearers will be James J. Anderson, Emily Alvey, Steven Alvey, Peter Alvey, Paul Alvey, Alexander Alvey, Julie Anderson, Tristen Anderson, and Charlie Anderson.