General Information
Full Name: Norma Irene Anderson
Date of Birth: September 21, 1945
Date of Death: July 31, 2013
Norma’s life story
Norma I. Anderson
Gracing this world on September 21, 1945 in Hibbing, MN, Norma Irene was born to parents Richard and Iva (Mertens) Grossman. The youngest of five daughters, life was simple growing up as a family, yet filled with adventures. They enjoyed riding the train through town, climbing the water tower and building fires by the reservoir. Each day was full of laughter, smiles and cherishing each other’s company. Norma graduated from Hibbing High School in 1962
Moving to Minneapolis to explore job opportunities, Norma instead found the love of her life. At a small pub on Lake Street, she met Marlan Anderson. Dating for only three months, Norma and Marlan exchanged wedding vows during an ice storm on November 28, 1964 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Hibbing. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Jackie, Denise and Angela.
As a family, they would pack up the camper and head out for an adventure. Destinations included the Black Hills, California and traveling up north every other month to see her parents. For all of Norma’s life, she was a loving wife and devoted mom. When the girls were older, she worked various jobs, but truly enjoyed her time as a receptionist for the Minnesota Masonic Home and Hair Unlimited.
An avid quilter, Norma made countless quilts of all shapes and sizes for family and friends. This past Christmas, she gave each member of the family a quilt, which they now treasure. Norma loved to read romance novels, play the slot machines at the casinos and listening to country western music. A perfectionist, she kept a very cleaned and organized home, including the yard. Norma loved to work in her flower and vegetable gardens. She was also known for the making the best dumpling soups, stews, lasagna and cinnamon rolls. In 1999, Marlan retired and they spent the next seven years traveling around the Unites States in their fifth wheel.
Family orientated, Norma made the best of each day, with her family being the most important. She always had a big smile on her face and showed interest in whatever you were doing. Norma was the life of the party. She had a great sense of humor, knew where all the sales were located, had an endless movie purse and most important, always surrounded you with unconditional love.
The early afternoon hours of Wednesday, July 31, 2013, Norma unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 67. Her legacy now lives on in her husband, daughters, grandchildren and sisters.
Deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved Norma, husband of almost 49 years, Marlan of Shakopee; daughters, Jackie (Jeff) Hockstein of Savage, Denise (Orin) Aanonson of Estherville, IA, Angela (Steve) Calliguri of Lonsdale; grandchildren, Cody Aasen, Steve and Elsa Aanonson, Alexa, Nathan, Sarah and Gabrielle Calliguri; sister, Elaine Mathews of Hibbing, Arlene “Babe” (Bill) Blais of Cushing, Pat (Ole) Olson of Nashwauk, Helen (Hank) Vold of Hibbing; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Norma is preceded in death by parents, Dick and Iva and brother-in-law, Jim Mathews.
A gathering of family and friends will be on Monday, August 5 from 9:30-11 am, with a Celebration of Life Service at 11 am all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 833 South Marschall Road Shakopee. Jean Breeggemann will lead the gathering as the Life Tribute Specialist. Norma will be laid to rest at a private family burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
The Anderson family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Shakopee Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Visitation
When: Monday, August 5, 2013, 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Location: Ballard Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 833 South Marschall Road
Shakopee, MN 55379
Service Information
When: Monday, August 5, 2013, 11:00 AM
Location: Ballard Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 833 South Marschall Road
Shakopee, MN 55379
Interment
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
