Overland, Blanche Guri (Anderson) 1924 - 2020

OVERLAND, ANDERSON, HOYT, FIELDEN, LIESHOUT, GAMBATESE, LYNCH, STRATMANN, ROUSE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:44

Blanche G. Overland, age 96, of Minneapolis, MN and formerly of Decorah, IA, died Tuesday evening, November 17, 2020 at Lake Minnetonka Shores in Spring Park, MN.

Memorial Services will be held in the spring of 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. Burial will be in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah.

Blanche Guri (Anderson) Overland was born September 25, 1924 in Rochester, MN, the daughter of Elvin Walter “Walt” and Mary Blanche (Hoyt) Anderson. Her parents, both college graduates, instilled the value of a good education and a faith-based life. She graduated from Valley Springs High School in Minnesota and then attended Luther College in Decorah, IA where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Blanche met Robert “Bob” Overland as a fellow choir member performing the Messiah Concert at Luther. They were married June 7, 1947 and celebrated 48 years together until Bob’s passing in 1995. She taught girls physical education first in Minnesota and then in Iowa until the birth of their first child in 1950. Blanche and Bob moved to Decorah where they had 5 more children. Raising her family became her full-time job. Blanche was involved in her church and community. She was a member of First Lutheran Church where her children were baptized and confirmed. She taught Sunday School, served as President of Ladies Aid, was an active member of Mary Circle, served as a Stephens Minister, mentored confirmation students, and volunteered in the church library. In the community, Blanche was a beloved Girl Scout leader, bridge player, and a good neighbor to all. Bob and Blanche moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, for 15 years where she again became involved in her church and community. Blanche returned to Decorah in 1995 until moving to Minneapolis, MN in 2015 to be closer to family.

Her opinions were heard, and her wit enjoyed. Blanche was engaging, lived her faith and focused on serving others.

The grandchildren remember these words … “the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.” Her last battle ended in a hospice care unit in Spring Park, Minnesota, surrounded by family. Blanche was 96 years young.

Blanche is survived by her 5 children John Overland, Dr. Mary Overland, Jean Fielden (Mike), Mark Overland (Becky), and Paul Overland. 9 grandchildren Matt Overland, Mike Overland, Melanie Van Lieshout (Matt); Kurt Fielden (Marie), Katie Gambatese (Matt); Ned Lynch (Amanda), Jessie Stratmann (Trevor). 11 great grandchildren Lena Jo, Clara Jean, and Julia Van Lieshout; Isaiah and Gracie Fielden; Seth and Spencer Rouse, Autumn and Nolan Lynch; Asher and Oliver Stratmann; Miles Anderson (nephew); Lana Jo Anderson (niece).

Blanche was preceded in death by her mother-Mary Blanche Hoyt; son-William (Billy) Allen Overland; father-Elvin (Walt) Walter Anderson; brother-Gudmund (Andy) Anderson; husband-Robert (Bob) Norman Overland.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a Blanche Overland Memorial which goes to the First Lutheran Church Renovation Fund. Contributions can be mailed to First Lutheran Church 604 W. Broadway St., Decorah, IA 52101 or directly at www.firstlutherandecorah.org .

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database

Phelps Cemetery
 

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