MIDDLETON - Elaine Ardelle Anderson, age 96, of Middleton, WI, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. She was born on April 3, 1928, in Hibbing, MN, the daughter of Carl and Martha (Myers) Aasland.

Her childhood years were spent on a farm near Warroad, MN. In 1943, Elaine’s family moved to Clearbrook, MN, where her father had a general store. Elaine graduated from Clearbrook High School in 1945 and began college at Bemidji State University of June that year. She received her Associate Degree in Arts in August of 1946 and began teaching sixth grade in Roseau, MN, in September.

Elaine married William "Douglas" Anderson on June 9, 1950, in Clearbrook where they farmed for 40-years until the time of his passing in 2000. She taught school in Clearbrook for many years. She earned her BA from Bemidji State University in 1970 and her Special Education certification and 5th year in subsequent years. She was elected to the Delta Kappa Gamma Women Teachers Society and retired from teaching in 1991.

Elaine was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Clearbrook, where she sang in the choir, sextette and trio, taught Sunday school, and was a member of Alice Circle and WELCA.

In 2000, after the death of her beloved husband, she moved to Middleton to be near her son and daughter-in-law. She joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison where she was a member of the choir, Ruth Circle and Prime Timers. Elaine sang in the choir for 23-years, until Christmas Eve 2023.

Elaine enjoyed a long career as an elementary and special education teacher. In her free time, she loved to bake and sew, and she was an avid reader. She also loved nature and gardening and enjoyed growing fruits and vegetables. Most of all, she loved friends and family, as she was a giving, caring person who wasn’t afraid to get involved and help people out.

Elaine is survived by her son, Wade; and daughter-in-law, Peg of Middleton, WI; brother, Harold Aasland of Tucson, AZ; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Aasland of Bend, OR and Crystal Schmitz of Bagley, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Arthur; sister, Gloria; and brother, Duane.

A memorial service will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, with the Rev. Sheryl Erickson presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. A private committal service will be held graveside at Augustana Cemetery, Clearbrook, MN in the near future.

Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Clearbrook, MN, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Madison, WI, or Augustana Cemetery in Clearbrook, MN. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Elaine Ardelle Anderson

April 03, 1928 - October 29, 2024

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