Norma Anderson, 73, Elbow Lake, MN

Norma Gladys Anderson, 73, of Elbow Lake, died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) at Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls, where she had resided for the last five and a half months. Norma’s last audible words to her son were “You are my sunshine,” then a pause followed by “My only sunshine.”

She was born Jan. 17, 1934, the eldest daughter of Nels and Genevieve (Thompson) Johnson at her grandparents, Ole and Annie Marie Johnson’s, home in Tordenskjold Township in Otter Tail County. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith.

Norma grew up in Clitherall Township attending country school at districts 14 and 34. She was confirmed at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church and graduated from Battle Lake High School in 1952.

She graduated from Minneapolis Business College in Minneapolis in 1953. She was employed by the Fergus Falls Medical Group where she was a faithful employee for nearly 50 years.

On June 27, 1954, she married Lloyd Anderson of rural Elbow Lake and they lived on a farm in Stony Brook Township. During their first year of marriage they lived in Missouri while Lloyd was in the service.

She was an active member of Rock Prairie Lutheran Church as Sunday school teacher, LDR Leader, WELCA and the quilting group. She has been a member of the Wendell American Legion Auxiliary for 44 years.

Norma was an expert at Norwegian Hardanger embroidery as well as an excellent lefse maker. An avid flower gardener, she shared her flowers with many people. She also enjoyed the yearly vacation trips with their “Friends Group.”

Preceding her in death were her parents, Nels and Genevieve Johnson, and Lloyd’s sister, Avis, and her husband, Alvin Vigen.

Survivors include her husband, Lloyd; and one son, Gary, both of Elbow Lake; sisters, Marilyn (Roland) Melaas of Elbow Lake, Ruby (Roger) Butler of St. Louis Park, and Doris (Lyle) Springer of Evansville; a brother, Gordon (Eva) Johnson of Anoka; 15 nieces and nephews; and several great and great-great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Visitation: Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church

Service: 1 p.m. Saturday at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Elbow Lake

Clergy: Rev. Dan Cole and Chaplain Ken Austin

Burial: Rock Prairie Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Elbow Lake

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Condolences: www.olsonfuneralhome.com