Margaret Anderson

Margaret Anderson, 91, of Greenbush, MN, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 in LifeCare Greenbush Manor at Greenbush, MN.

Margaret was born January 24, 1923 in Barnett Township, Roseau Co., MN to Frank and Minnie Vacura. The fourth of six children, she enjoyed a happy childhood on the family farm and commented that in spite of growing up during the Depression, there was always abundant and excellent food on the table, thanks to the skills in gardening and cooking possessed by her mother, Minnie. Always proud of her Bohemian heritage, Margaret learned to appreciate and cook Bohemian specialties such as Kolaches.

After completing schooling in the rural Stoffel School, Margaret worked as a “hired girl” for neighboring families and then moved up to waitressing during the winter months at the Roche Cafe in Greenbush. One morning, two local Norwegian boys stopped in to buy candy bars before going hunting and couldn’t keep quiet long enough to allow her to count back their change. She told them, “Would you guys please just shut up for a little bit?” Hildor Anderson was smitten; he had met his match and found someone besides himself who would have the last word.

Hildor and Margaret were married on May 26, 1944. After living with Hildor’s parents for the first six months of their marriage, they purchased a bachelor’s homestead and 80 acres that became their family home and farm the next 50 years. Four children came along between 1945 and 1954. While Hildor worked his dairy during day, Margaret cared for the children, raised her vegetables in her large garden and pitched in when needed to help Hildor with milking chores and fieldwork. In May of 1959, Hildor and Margaret and the kids packed up and moved to Kent, Washington for what they thought at the time would be a short-term relocation. The plan was to make more money so Hildor could upgrade their milking operation to meet new federal standards.

Those plans were disrupted when son Russie died after being struck by a car at the age of 5 in fall of 1959. Hildor and Margaret stayed in Washington until 1983. In spite of their grief, they forged ahead and found fun and friendship again in camping, snowmobiling, fishing and membership at Kent Lutheran Church. Virgil and Fern Froemke were and remain their closest friends in Washington. Their children all married and began families in Washington; Hildor and Margaret were loving and doting grandparents who frequently helped out with childcare for their six grandchildren. Margaret worked for 20 years at Totem Manufacturing in Washington making fishing tackle. Her contribution to the family finances became especially important after Hildor had to retire earlier than planned due to growing health problems.

In spite of 24 years in Washington, Hildor and Margaret’s hearts were always in Greenbush. They began returning to the farm every summer after her retirement and then returned for good in 1983. They spent many winters in Arizona. Hildor’s health continued to be challenged. Margaret devoted herself to driving Hildor to every doctor appointment, keeping long hours in the hospital when he had surgery and caring for him at home. Hildor passed away on January 14, 1994 at the age of 77.

Margaret sold the farm in 1994, moved into a new home at Summerfield Apartments in Greenbush and enjoyed the companionship of her best friend, Joan Fugleberg. They traveled to Arizona together several times and enjoyed attending dances frequently in both Minnesota and Arizona. After a stroke, Margaret remained in Greenbush, living at Elderbush Manor and finally at LifeCare Greenbush Manor where she received excellent and loving care from staff and especially from her sister, Mildred. Margaret was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

She is survived by sister—Mildred Frislie of Roseau, daughter—Diane (John) Fatland of Renton, WA, sons—Don (Vicky) Anderson of Kelso, WA and Vern (Laurie) Anderson of Brush Prairie, WA. She is also survived by grandchildren—Jackie, Andrea, Christopher, Kyle, Cody and Lacey and six great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Margaret was predeceased by her parents, husband, son Russell, her brother Harry, and sisters Lillian, Dorothy, and Beatrice.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 11:00 AM in Bethel Lutheran Church of Greenbush with Pastor Mark Mathews, officiating. Linda Sovde was the organist and special vocal music was provided by John Fatland. Casket Bearers were Allison & Franklin Frislie, Russ Anderson and Alvin Bertilrud. Honorary pallbearers were the staff and residents of LifeCare Greenbush Manor.

Spring interment will be in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery of Greenbush. Arrangements were with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush.