Middle River – Emma Anderson was born and baptized on October 20, 1925, in Grygla, to Ole and Eli (Moslet) Aune, growing up on the family farm in Gatzke. Emma and sister Evie attended Old Ironside Elementary School. Emma was confirmed August 21, 1941, at First Lutheran Church of Gatzke. Emma graduated from Crookston High School and then attended Business College in Grand Forks, ND. Emma and Elsie worked for one year at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle during WWII. Himmy Anderson and Emma were married in Thief
River Falls, on October 12, 1946, making their home in Middle River.
Emma started working at 1st National Bank in Middle River on January 15, 1945, where she worked for 47 years, retiring July 1, 1992. Emma was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid, First Lutheran Quilters, American Legion Auxiliary, Senior Citizens, and Middle River Community Club. She was so proud of her nephews in the American Legion Squad. Emma had a great sense of humor, always having a joke to tell. She and her sister, Evie, were very close, writing letters to each other
once a week for 60 years. She loved to play smear with family and take your jack. She loved her flowers and her garden and always had cookies in the green cookie jar for herself and company. She was a wonderful dancer, her favorite being the Polka. She would put a few dollars in the cupboard for her grandchildren for after school treats at Young’s, always thinking of her family.
Himmy and Emma spent many summers camping at Springsteel Resort with family and friends. We are happy to know they are once again together in heaven.
Emma is survived by her loving daughter, Judy (Larry) Johnson of Fargo, ND; grandsons, Casey (Heather) Johnson of Oxbow, ND, Charlie Johnson of Thief River Falls; granddaughter, Denise Johnson of Fargo, ND; great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Luke Johnson, Conner, Brooke, Easton Turnquist; and special family friend, Susan Grindeland.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Himmy in 1980; parents; brother, Peter (Elsie) Aune; sisters, Petra (Roy) Larson, Ragna (Ingvald) Anderson, Myron Haroldson, and Evie (LeRoy) Davidson.
Special “thank you” to Bethany Memory Care and Ethos Hospice for their gentle loving care.
Funeral services were held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, with Pastor Kevin Hackney presiding.
Visitation was held after 6 p.m., Tuesday, at Collins Funeral Chapel in Middle River. Visitation was also held one hour prior to services at the church.
Interment services will be held at First Lutheran Cemetery in Middle River in the spring.
Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Middle River. An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com.
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