Elmer John Anderson, age 93 of Dovray, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 2 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Dovray. Visitation is 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Westbrook Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Burial is in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Elmer John Anderson was born August 19, 1921 to John and Emma Anderson, in Dovray Township, Murray County, Minnesota. Elmer attended rural school District 29 in Dovray Township, Westbrook High School, class of 1939, and earned a BA from Gustavus Adolphus College, class of 1943. After graduation he taught mathematics and science at Westbrook High School. He and Mavis Thelma Amundson of rural Dovray were united in marriage June 2, 1948 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Both were life-long members of that congregation. Following their marriage they settled on the Anderson farm and remained there for 50 years. Livestock production was their main source of income. They moved into Westbrook in January of 1998. Both Mavis and Elmer had an interest in church and community affairs. They also had a keen interest in promoting educational opportunities for all children as well as their own. Elmer held several offices including Shipping Association, Good Samaritan advisory board, Heritage Health Foundation, Westbrook Educational Association, Rolling Hills Golf Board, and Sons of Norway. He assisted with fund raising to build Peterson Estates. He served five terms on the Westbrook School Board. He was active in Kiwanis International service and served as Lt. Gov. District 4 in 1993 – 94. Elmer spearheaded an annual appeal in support of the Children’s Miracle Network the proceeds going to the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls. His hobbies included gardening, reading, and volunteering.
Elmer is survived by five children: daughter, Michal (Pat Lowther) of Sleepy Eye, son, Erling (Julie Anderson) of Minneapolis, son, Karl (Rosie Anderson) of Alamo, CA, daughter, Martha (Michael Silberman) of East Dummerston, VT, and son, Paul (Mia Cisek) of Seattle, WA; 12 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, and his wife of 61 years, Mavis.
The Family of Elmer Anderson,
I don’t think there was a finer man then Elmer, John & I spent many hours visiting with this man and he was interested in everything that was going on in the community, county & our family and our lives.
He will be greatly missed as he was a wonderful, kind and gentle concerned person!
May he rest in Peace!
Jane Giese
Dear family of Elmer:
Never an unkind word from this wonderful gentleman. Elmer was a gifted person, with a strong wit and a willingness to help others in need. His stories were spell binding. Never forgot a name or event. Had many interests and most were about the goodness of others. Very proud of his children and grandkids. Loved people, had a strong faith, proud of his Norwegian inheritance. A main contributor to the communities of Dovray and Westbrook. . Now he is with the love of his life, Mavis. Blessed be his memory. Steve and Cathy Kjorness
Elmer and I communicated for more than 30 years via wonderful, handwritten letters, email and phone calls. I will miss his wonderful observations, his tremendous pride in his family and his hope for all of us. What a dear, dear man!
Elmer was a good friend of my Dad and Mom, Bob and Dolores Schmitt of Dovray. He visited my Dad often when he got sick. He and Mavis were very kind people over the years to everyone they knew. My sincere condolences to the family. Pamela Bastien (2nd oldest of the Schmitt’s of Dovray) of Naples, FL.
Elmer and my dad Edgar were neighbors and friends for so many years. Taught us the fields of dreams were right in our own farm yards and the smell of money on Saturday mornings in the barn. My condolences to the entire family.