Beth Anderson

Beth Anderson, 94, of Fergus Falls, formerly of St. James, MN, died Monday, December 31, 2012 at Pioneer Care Center in Fergus Falls. Elizabeth (Beth) Klein was born in Fox Lake Township in rural Martin County, Minnesota on August 15, 1918, the youngest of three daughters of Frederick and Fannie (Montgomery) Klein. When she was two years old the family moved to Fairmont, MN. Beth attended the public schools and graduated from Fairmont High School in 1936. She then attended beauty school in the Twin Cities and worked as a hairdresser in St.James. It was in St.James that Beth met Edgar Anderson, a local businessman and funeral director. They were married on Jan. 11, 1942 at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James. The couple worked side-by-side in the Anderson Funeral Home and Ambulance Service, the business they owned and operated until their retirement. They were blessed with two children and had 61 years together until Edgar's death in 2003. Beth was a devoted wife and mother who made a warm and inviting home for her family. Throughout her married life, Beth was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church where she participated in the choirs, circles, Ladies Aid and as a Sunday School teacher. She willingly served in any way she was able. Even as her health declined in later years, worship and music continued to be very important to her. Beth enjoyed sports, music, biking, family vacations, card games, spending time outdoors and keeping physically fit. She was an accomplished swimmer and she worked as a swimming instructor in the St. James area for more than 35 years. She was instrumental in teaching many area youth and adults how to swim. She was named MN Outstanding Senior Athlete in 1986. As a faithful volunteer in the community, she served with the American Cancer Society, the Watonwan Hospital Auxiliary, the Senior Citizens' program, the Aquatics program for Learning Unlimited, as a Brownie leader, and she made frequent visits to shut-ins and nursing home residents. Beth was a hard worker, kind and infinitely patient, who always stayed positive about life. She had a true servant's heart. She was honored as Watonwan County's Outstanding Senior Citizen in 1990. Beth was an excellent cook and baker who readily adapted to her husband's Swedish heritage as she prepared and served special Scandinavian treats - especially during the holidays. Grateful to have had her in their lives for so many years, she will be dearly missed by her family: daughter Nancy Perrier (husband Bob) of Fergus Falls, son Karl Anderson (wife Maria) of Taos, NM, 5 grandchildren: Danielle Perrier (Rick) Miller, Matthew Perrier, David (Kristina) Anderson, Michael (Sara) Anderson, and Krista (Christopher) Carmiencke, 2 step grandchildren: Grant (Mindy) Searcey and Bethany Searcey, 10 great-grandchildren: Gustaf and Karl Miller, Eleanor and Callen Perrier, Brandon and Nathan Anderson, Rachael and Cade Anderson, and Arlo and Kai Carmiencke, and her dear nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death: her parents, husband C. Edgar Anderson, both sisters and their husbands Eloise and Burdean Crissinger and Leola and John Swam, and an infant brother. (Following Edgar's death, Beth lived at the Trimont Health Care Center for 3 years. In 2006 she moved to Pioneer Care in Fergus Falls to be near her daughter and family. She was grateful for the kind and loving care she received at both of her "homes" ). Memorials may be directed to Augustana Lutheran Church. Visitation 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Friday, January 4, 2013 Augustana Lutheran Church 603 Armstrong Blvd. N. PO Box 151 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 1:00 pm Friday, January 4, 2013 Augustana Lutheran Church 603 Armstrong Blvd. N. PO Box 151 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081