Anna Augusta Klinnert Rian, 96, Underwood, MN

Anna Augusta Klinnert Rian, 96, of Maine, Minn., died Monday, May 26, 2008, at the same home she was born in, with her children by her side, under the care of Lakeland Hospice.

She was born Oct. 26, 1911, in Maine, the daughter of August and Augusta (Springman) Klinnert. She attended rural school District 24 and then worked at the Ottertail Sanitarium. Due to her mother’s health she had to quit work to stay home to take care of her mother. She also worked at Cashman’s Nursery, planting trees

Anna married Marcellus Rian on June 11, 1936, at St. James Catholic Church in Maine. They lived on the home place and enjoyed several years farming together.

Being of strong faith, she was very active in her church and was president of Circle One. She was just re-elected for a second term and it was their circle that originated having lunch at wakes.

Anna had many hobbies which included playing cards, following the Minnesota Twins, word books, gardening, flowers and birds. She loved to cook and bake and her biggest joy was to give away baked goods to anyone that came to visit.

She opened her arms to everyone and made them feel welcomed and special. She made many pillows and quilts and every one of her children and grandchildren received one.

She loved to spend time with family and friends and her most enjoyable time was her outings with her four children. She never said no to an outing — she was always ready to go. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her husband; a son-in-law, Duane; one great-grandchild; and 11 brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her four children, Cecelia Kugler (fiancé Tom) of Erhard, Blanche (Loren) Fretland of Rochester, Kenneth Rian, and Carolyn (Larry) Fyhrie of Maine; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a sister-in-law, Ethel; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, and one hour prior to the service at the church

Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday, at St. James Catholic Church, Maine

Clergy: Rev. Robert Kieffer

Burial: St. James Catholic Cemetery, Maine

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

n Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com