Lera Ellen Hart Anderson

Anderson, Lera Ellen Hart MADISON- Lera Ellen Hart Anderson, beloved wife of Dr. Donald Walden Anderson (deceased), died on Tuesday, June 2, 2015, in Madison, Wis., at age 92. Born Feb. 16, 1923, in Dover, Ohio, Lera was the daughter of Loren Emerson and Addie (Bondurant) Hart and sister to Loren Hart. Lera grew up in Dover, where her father was a dentist, and she graduated from Dover High School. Lera was an extraordinary woman who, in a time when relatively few women pursued higher education, she earned a Bachelor's degree from Flora Stone Mather College, now Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio. It was there that she fell in love with her future husband, Donald Walden Anderson. Lera and Don were united in marriage on May 8, 1943, at the Moravian Church in Dover, Ohio. When Don returned from his service in World War II, the couple made Aurora, Illinois their home and Don opened his medical office there. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage, love and friendship while raising their four children in Aurora. Life in Aurora was full of volunteer activities. Lera was a longtime, active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, president of the Child Welfare Society, and an active member of Women's Circle, PEO Chapter DD, Westside Reading Circle, Pressed Glass Club, Fox Valley Symphony Guild, and Kane County Republican Women. She also enjoyed bridge games and going to the theater with a close group of friends. Lera served on the White Cross Auxiliary of Rush-Copley Medical Center, where her husband Don was chief of staff. Singing hymns at church and playing saxophone as a child fostered Lera's lifelong love of music. Ballroom dancing with her favorite partner, Don, continued throughout their lives and always put a smile on everyone's faces. The couple traveled extensively later in life, which gave Lera great joy. She and Don explored stateside destinations such as Hawaii and Alaska and enjoyed adventures together in Scandinavia, Italy, England, Austria, and Germany. Lera lived in Aurora until moving to Attic Angel Place in Middleton, Wis. in 2007. Lera's name will always be treasured and, as such, she has many namesakes including daughter, Lera Kristina Anderson Thompson, granddaughter, Lera Susanne Wenger Woodring, granddaughter, Lera Kristina Thompson, and great-granddaughter, Lera Sadie Woodring. Lera is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Ron Wenger of Madison, Wis., their daughter-in-law, Jamie Wenger of Brookfield, Wis.; daughter, Lera (RJ) Woodring of Bloomington, Ind. and great-grandchildren, Addyson, Thomas and Ellie Wenger, and Lera Sadie and Stella Woodring; daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Andrew Thompson of Yorkville, Ill. and their children, Lera Thompson of Chicago, Ill. and Mark Thompson of Naperville, Ill. and great-grandchildren, Sean, Lauren, and Patrick Thompson; son and daughter-in-law, David and Diane Anderson of Highland, Wis. and their daughter, Carrie (Dustin) Klass and great-grandsons, Ethan and Brayden Klass; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Ralph L. Lary III of Potomac, Md. and their sons, Lieutenant R. Leon Lary IV (Lauren) and Lieutenant JG Roswell Anderson Lary. She is also survived by her brother, Loren Emerson Hart and his wife, Marian of Green Bay, Wis. and their four children, Richard, Tomas, Barbara and Lori. Lera was preceded in death by her husband and her parents. Her grandson, Clayton Wenger tragically died 24 hours before Lera. Following a gathering for fellowship at 10 a.m., a memorial service will be held at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison, Wis., on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420