Mildred “Millie” Anderson

Mildred “Millie” Anderson age 93 of Willmar, formerly of Westbrook, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2012 at Bethesda Heritage Center in Willmar. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 13 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. 

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment is in the Westbrook Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials will be given to various ministries, hospice, and other causes.  Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

 Mildred “Millie” Adelaide Anderson was born on July 28, 1919 in Currie, Murray County, Minnesota to Andrew and Mabel (Dahl) Swenhaugen.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.  Growing up in the Westbrook area, she graduated from Westbrook High School in 1937 and worked in homes in the community.  On February 2, 1939 she was united in marriage to Archie Anderson at Trinity Lutheran Parsonage in Westbrook.  This union was blessed with two children.  She lived her married life in the community, and was employed by Bernie’s Dress Shop for several years, and she had a ceramic shop in her home where she spent time painting, teaching, and making many friends along the way.  She enjoyed giving away her ceramics and crocheted items.  Millie gave her heart and life to the Lord when she was in her early twenties.  Important in her life was participating in bible studies, church and its activities, and teaching Sunday school.  She treasured her time with family and friends.  Her grandchildren, great and adopted, were a delight to her heart and brought her much joy and happiness.  Millie moved to Willmar, Minnesota in 1997 where she made her home at Woven Hearts for three years.  In 2000, she moved to West View Village, then to Sterling Manor in 2008, and to Heritage Nursing Home in 2009.  Willmar Hospice brought her much joy in her last days, and she made so many valuable friends.

Millie is survived by her two children: daughter Marlene (Robert) Christensen of New London, MN, and son John (Jeanette) Anderson of Roseau, MN; grandchildren: Andrea (Jeffrey) Karnes, of New London, Jeremy (Mary) Anderson of Roseau, Jenna (Karl) Rasmussen of Lino Lakes, Jacob (Stephanie) Anderson of Grand Forks, ND; great-grandchildren: Kayla Karnes (Chad Bonde) of Brookings, SD, Zachary Karnes of New London, Isak Anderson of Roseau, and Kamden Rasmussen of Lino Lakes; adopted grandchildren: Jeremy (Ashley) Boeyink of New London, Nicole (Kyle) Reich of Willmar, and Erica Boeyink of Willmar.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, Arnold, Manley and Otis Swenhaugen, and two sisters, Alice Clarke and LaVonne Ennenga.