Elaine Anderstrom

Elaine Anderstrom, age 91, formerly of Willmar, passed away Thursday morning, Oct. 11, in Woodbury, MN near her family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  Interment will be at Union Cemetery in Atwater.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Refuge Church are preferred.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Ruth Elaine Anderstrom was born January 5, 1927, to Arnold and Selma Anderson at the home of Elaine’s grandparents (Birkeland) in Willmar, Minnesota.  She was known to most friends and acquaintances by her middle name, Elaine. She was raised on her family’s farm south of Atwater with her twin brothers, Jimmy and Jerry, and sister, LaVonne, each of whom preceded her in death. Graduating from Atwater High School in 1943 at the age of 16, she took employment at Strong Motors (1943-1951). At age 22, Elaine married Roger Duane Anderstrom of Atwater, and they worked in agriculture their entire married life, until death parted them when Roger unexpectedly died (12/2/89) after almost 40 years of marriage. She became the chief financial officer of Atwater Public Schools (1968-1992). Following retirement from the public schools, she returned to Atwater Ford for several years. As a basketball fan, she enjoyed watching the exploits of her husband, son, and grandsons on the court. Trusting in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of her sins and the fulfillment of all God’s promises to her, including eternal life, she served as Sunday School Superintendent at the Atwater Baptist Church for many years, where she and Roger were active members. As an avid reader, her book collection was substantial, with emphasis on history, American, and Christian literature. She loved hymns and gospel music. Among the belongings she left behind are countless clippings of poetry and history, tubs full of sorted photos and articles about America, Minnesota, and Kandiyohi County. She leaves her family a legacy of lifelong faith, prayers for salvation of each generation of her family, and an example of hard work and faithfulness.

She is survived by her three children, Vicki (and Sam) Crabtree of Minneapolis, Alan (and Joyce) Anderstrom of Roberts, WI., and Shari Andros of Inver Grove Heights; eight grandchildren, Dawn (and Andy) Becker, Mandi (and Bryan) Granholt, Jonathan (and Stacy) Anderstrom, Timothy (and Janice) Anderstrom, Michael (and Tana) Anderstrom, Robert (and Elaine) Anderstrom, Christina (and Matt) Brown and Kyle Andros; and eighteen great-grandchildren, Lily Elaine, Taylor, Ryleigh and Peyton Becker; William and Caleb Granholt; Makenzie, Jadon, Jack and Elijah Anderstrom; Bailey, Wilson and Benjamin Anderstrom; Maya, Vera and Finlay Anderstrom; and Norah and Jocelyn Brown, besides other relatives and friends.