Obituary of Elayne M Anderson

Age 91, died Feb. 28. Survived by daughters, Kristine (Randal) Ullmer, Marie (Brian) Van Kleek and Cheryl (Tim) Rutten; grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah), Dillon, Matthew, and Brandi; and great-grandchildren, Tristan and Logan. Preceded in death by husband, Alore (1991); son, Douglas (1990); and sisters, Norma Carlson and Bernice Erickson. Born and raised in St. Paul, then a Somerset, Wis. resident for 42 years, Elayne was the first woman elected to the School Board and added girls sports to the curriculum; previously she had started the first girls' softball program. Elayne was the first woman elected to a Village of Somerset office, and served as Clerk-Treasurer for 25 years until her retirement. Elayne's love and support of women's sports was life-long; she held season tickets to the MN Gopher Women's Basketball and the WNBA MN Lynx. Also an avid Vikings and Twins's fan (attended the World Series with the Twins). A better-than-average bowler and skilled card-player, Elayne shared news of her wins at the poker machines: a $2000 Royal flush was tops! The Andersons formed a partnership and developed the Apple River Campground; they resided on site for a few years, with Elayne doing the bookkeeping. Other family adventures included travel throughout the US and Canada, by travel-trailer, train, or bus. After leaving Somerset in 1992, Elayne resided in a Stillwater townhouse where she enjoyed a view of birds on the pond, frequent visits to Candyland, and most recently was supervising the bridge project. Elayne was very involved in the lives of her daughters and their families; she loved discussing their careers, attending performances, and family gatherings which usually included Dominos, cards, or a board game. A celebration of life will be at Gulden's in Maplewood on Thursday, March 9, at 5 p.m. Memorials to the family will be donated to the St. Croix Animal Shelter.