Anderson, Irene (1917-2014)

ANDERSON, GRAU, THOMSEN, GARWOOD, CHIANELLA, ILES, BREWER, WILLADSEN, BOLT, KONICEK, TWOGOOD

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 12/31/2014 at 16:17:04

Irene Anderson
March 08, 1917 - May 22, 2014

Storm Lake, Iowa

Irene Anderson, age 97, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died on Thursday, May 22, 2014, at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.

Irene Grau was born on March 8, 1917, in Newell, Iowa, a daughter of Andrew P. and Anna D. (Thomsen) Grau. She was baptized and confirmed at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, Iowa.

Irene loved music and frequently sang with her sister, Hazel, and her friends at church and social events. The sisters even sang at the Roof Garden. After graduating from high school in 1934, Irene worked at the grocery store in Newell and later at the Danish Bakery where she honed her baking skills and began making her legendary coffee bread.

On August 11, 1940, Irene married Kip Anderson at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. They made their home in Albert City. Their first child, Mary Ann, was born while Kip was serving in Europe during World War II. After the war, they lived in Albert City where their son John (J.B.) was born. During this time, Irene helped Kip with his Standard Oil bulk station and delivery service business. Later, she worked at Sohigro once her children were attending college.

Passionate about her role as a good wife and mother, Irene also actively participated in community organizations. She joined the Ladies Aid Society, the church choir, bridge clubs, and the Federated Club. She also served as a Brownie Scout Leader and along with Kip in strongly supported local school activities and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Irene and Kip enjoyed many happy years of retirement in Nevis, Minnesota, Ellenton, Florida, and Storm Lake – fishing, golfing, playing bridge, and spending precious time with family, friends, and more friends. She and Kip had sixty-eight wonderful years together and danced their way through life, never missing an opportunity to take the floor.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Mary Ann (Richard) Garwood, of North Palm Beach, Florida; her son, John (Bonnie) Anderson, of Maple Plain, Minnesota; her “daughter,” Ruth (Andy) Paulsen, of Storm Lake, Iowa; her grandsons: Ben (Kari) Anderson, of Minneapolis, Dan Anderson, and his fiancée, Brynn Bauer, also of Minneapolis, and Greg (Lisa) Garwood, of Palm Beach Shores, Florida; her granddaughter, Gwen (Danilo) Chianella, of Isle of Palms, South Carolina; her great grandchildren: Dafne Andrea and Bryan Chianella; Annie Iles; and Caylin Brewer; her great-great-grandchildren: Jayden, Colin, and Skye; and her cousin, Bob (Marge) Willadsen; as well as many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Kip; her parents; her sister, Hazel Bolt; her cousin, Blanche Konicek Twogood; and her great-great-grandson, Slade. Exceptionally appreciative of the joys life, she made the most of every situation. Her favorite expression says it all, Ve har det så godt, which is Danish for, “We have it so good”.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. May 27, 2014, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Copyright © 2014, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes

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