Eugene Anderstrom

Eugene "Gene" A. Anderstrom, age 77, of Atwater, died unexpectedly Thursday evening, March 8th, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 13, at the First Baptist Church in Willmar. Private interment will be in Union Cemetery in Atwater. Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. on Monday, March 12, at the First Baptist Church and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. (www.petersonbrothers.com)

Gene was born on August 29, 1934, on the family farm near Lake Lillian, the son of Allie and Lillian (Gauer) Anderstrom. He grew up in the Lake Lillian community and graduated from Atwater High School in 1952. On October 16, 1954, at the First Baptist Church in Atwater, Gene was united in marriage to Mary Jean Kragenbring. They made their home in Atwater. Gene was self-employed in the construction business for many years. He and Mary later owned and operated the Big-A Cafe in Atwater. Gene was also employed in sales with Norling Silo Company and later at Perkins Lumber Company, retiring in 2000. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Willmar. Gene was a strong believer in Jesus Christ. He lived his life as an example to his family and friends. Gene showed a generous love towards his family and grandchildren. Gene enjoyed all sports. He was an avid fan of athletics from local to professional levels.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of over 57 years; three children, Kristin (and Gerry) Buer of Atwater, James (and Karen) Anderstrom of Champlin and Jane (and Mark) Bohlsen of Pennock; twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister Elaine Peterson of Milaca, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karna in 1997, who will forever be in our hearts, and four brothers, Burton, Calvin, Roger and Ivan.