Carolyn Anderson, 68

Carolyn Marie Anderson, 68, Evansville, died Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at her home, under the care of her family and Douglas County Hospice.

Carolyn was born September 3, 1944 in Fergus Falls, the daughter of Edwin and Betty (Anderson) Nelson. She was baptized and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Ashby. In her earlier years, Carolyn moved with her family to the Hibbing area for three years, but later returned to the area, graduating from Ashby High School. Carolyn was active with the Hill and Valley Riders Saddle Club.

Carolyn began her career as an aide at the Elbow Lake Hospital. She went on to work at the Ashby school as secretary for a year.

On June 8, 1963, Carolyn married Darrell Anderson at the Presbyterian Church in Elbow Lake, and they were blessed with three children.

Carolyn joined Darrell on the Anderson family farm, where she was instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the farm, raising small grains and at one point, more than 1,500 hogs. Carolyn purchased Alexandria Cost Cutters in 1986, a business she continued to operate with her daughter, Dawn.

Carolyn enjoyed softball, horses, snowmobiles, and riding Jet Ski on the lake. Most important though, were the many memories made with family and friends at the family lake cabin on Lake Ina, and most recently, Clitherall Lake. She really enjoyed being a grandma.

Carolyn was active in her community and church throughout the years, having served on the Evansville School Board, FHA, and the Evansville Historical Society. A member of Faith Lutheran Church, Carolyn served as Sunday school teacher, council member and was active in the church choir.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Darrell, of Evansville; three children, David (Natalie) Anderson, Dawn (Doug) Bitzan and DeEtte (Troy) Johnson, all of Evansville; grandchildren, Mahrie (Chris) Ohren, Dallas (Jess) Anderson, Chris Anderson, Brandt Bitzan, Brianna Bitzan, Dustin Parsons, Logan Johnson and Veronica Johnson; great-grandson, Landon Bradshaw, and two more on the way; and brother, Richard (Rita) Nelson of White Bear Lake.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister, JoAnne Ellingson.

Most grandmas, when you go to their house, have fresh-baked cookies on the counter. Once in a while, Grandma would have those, but most times, she would take us out to the lake and we would go jet skiing instead. How many people have grandmas like that?

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran church in Evansville with the Rev. Zachary Johnson officiating.

Interment will be at Mound Grove Cemetery in Evansville.

Visitation is Friday, March 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Evansville. Visitation resumes one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Online condolences may be left at www.GlendeNilson.com.

Memorials are preferred to Douglas County Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are with Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Evansville.

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Tags: obituaries