Emil Anderson

Emil Alfred Anderson, son of Andrew and Thea (Christofferson) Anderson, was born June 7, 1908 on the family farm in Rendsville Township, near Donnelly, Minnesota. Emil was baptized and later confirmed at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church, where he has been a life-long, dedicated member. Emil also received his education in a rural school in the Donnelly area. He began working on the family farm at a very early age, due to his father's death when Emil was only 7 years old. Along with his mother and younger brothers, the family farm continued to operate. In 1948, Emil purchased a farm of his own, where he has continued to live since that time. On July 10, 1949, he was united in marriage to June Ekholm at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake. The couple was later blessed with the birth of their son, Allen. They made their home on the farm near Donnelly, where they farmed and raised cattle for their entire married life. Emil was a life long member of Kongsvinger and was very proud of the fact that his father was the head carpenter when the church was built. He served as church janitor for over 40 years. June died on March 14, 1994. He retired from farming in the late 70's but continued to raise some cattle until the fall of 2001. In recent years his poor health prevented him from doing much work, but he enjoyed being outside driving around in his golf cart and power wheelchair and attending many events in the area. Emil was able to continue to live at home until the time of his death, thanks to the dedication of his son, Allen.

Emil died October 31, 2005 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 97 years.

He is survived by his son, Allen Anderson of Donnelly; two sisters-in-law: Pearl (Mrs. Albert) Anderson and Pearl (Mrs. Lawrence) Anderson, both of Donnelly; three nieces: Janice Melchert, Bev Hurlbut and Elnora Ekholm and one nephew: Carl W. Ekholm; several great-nieces and great-nephews and special friend: Joyce Steuck of Donnelly. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and three brothers: Albert, Lawrence and Carl.

Pallbearers for the service are: Terry Evavold, Audray Henrichs, Jim Eystad, Richard Kruize, Herb Kloos and Craig Loge. Honorary pallbearers are "All of Emil's Caregivers". Sue Erdahl will serve as organist for the service, with the Kongsvinger Men's Quartet providing the special music. Pedersen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

**The family prefers memorials to the Kongsvinger Lutheran Cemetery Fund.