Shirley Lorraine Anderson

Shirley Lorraine Anderson age 81, of Menahga, Minnesota passed away on January 6, 2015 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, Minnesota. She was born on August 15, 1933 to Jens and Marion Anderson at home a few miles from Wolf Lake, Minnesota. Shirley was the oldest of four children. She attended Frazee High School and has resided in the Wolf Lake area all of her life. In June of 1952, she married Marvin Anderson, same last name, but not related (convenient, she never had to change her name). They had been married 62 years at the time of her passing and had three children. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. During the children’s earlier years, she worked at home assisting her husband with the daily operations of their farm. When the children grew older, she began working at the Co-Op Store in Wolf Lake, later becoming manager. She was also the Fire Warden of Wolf Lake for many years. Shirley was an avid supporter of the Wolf Lake Lions Club and devoted many, many volunteer hours to the functions of the Club. Shirley was always willing to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it. Shirley lived a very fulfilled life. When she wasn’t busy working, she enjoyed knitting, bird watching around her home, reading, playing games and watching movies. She also enjoyed cooking, baking and canning. She loved having company and entertaining and when deer hunting season began each year, you could always find her in the kitchen preparing for the masses of hunters and family, making sure everyone was warm, fed and having fun. Shirley also enjoyed camping and going to Toad Lake in the summers, and although she did not know how to swim, she loved going out on the houseboat with her family and friends. Shirley had a passion for music. In her younger years, she played piano in a band called the “Blue Jackets.” She also played piano for the Bethany Lutheran Church Quartet and was one of the organists at Bethany and other churches in the area, for over 50 years. Shirley continued to be the Church organist until approximately a year ago when her health began to decline. Shirley was loved by many. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law, Ernest Trimble and one nephew, Lance Anderson. She is survived by her husband, Marvin, and their children: Deb (Ronnie) Ollila; Larry (Sherry) Anderson; and Kathy Thomas. Sister: Bev, Brothers: Dennis (Rosie) Anderson and Darwin “Doc” (Joan) Anderson. Grandchildren: Tanya Koenig; Aimee Stewart; Courtney Barber; Rob Ollila; Lan Ollila and Denise Hellman; 11 Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many beloved friends. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Thursday, January 15, 2015 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 16, 2015 at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Menahga, MN. Inurnment will be at Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery.