Alice Loleen Anderson, 88, passed away peacefully Thursday March 28, 2024, in Rapid City, SD.
Loleen was born on March 13, 1936, to Leon B. and Alice (Mortvedt) Leland in Bricelyn, MN. She attended country school through 7th grade. She then attended school in Bricelyn where she met Iler Paul Anderson.
She received her teaching degree from Luther College in 1955. In August of 1955, Loleen and Iler were united in marriage at the Bricelyn Lutheran Church in Bricelyn, MN. Following their wedding, Iler served two years in the Army then returned to civilian life to finish college and seminary. During those early years of marriage Loleen began her school teaching career. She taught kindergarten and early elementary grades and would continue to teach until the couple retired.
Loleen and Iler raised three children: Kaia, Nathan, and Peter. Following Iler’s pastoral calls the family lived in Good Thunder, Viroqua, and Lake Mills, WI followed by stints in Franklin, Clarkfield, Grove City, and Glenwood, MN. Eventually Iler and Loleen retired to Big McKenzie Lake in Wisconsin later moving to Rapid City, SD.
Over those years Loleen was a wonderful mother to her children and a valuable helpmate and support for Iler. Loleen was her children’s biggest booster and a constant source of confidence and inspiration.
Loleen lived her faith. She contributed to the welfare of each congregation to which Iler was called. She enjoyed Bible study as well as sewing, quilting, travel, fishing, shopping, theater, and movies – she and Iler treasured their Friday night dates.
She was a wonderful cook and baker. Nathan favored her chicken and rice casserole, and Peter was a big fan of the ham dinners she would prepare at Easter. Her grandchildren loved her cookies and cakes almost as much as they enjoyed sharing the story of Gamma’s salted gingersnap cookies. Many years at Christmas time Loleen, Kaia, and Chloe would get together and make krumkake together.
Loleen was in her element hosting her kids and grandkids at the lake. Preparing wonderful family meals. Playing card games and dice games with her grandchildren.
Loleen was preceded in death by her son Peter Anderson, her parents, her sisters Shirley Franke, Donna Mae Crotty, Beulah Gilbertson and her brothers Everett Leland and Leon Leland, Jr.
Loleen is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Iler Paul Anderson of Rapid City, daughter Kaia (Jeremiah) Murphy, her son Nathan Anderson, her grandchildren, Valentine Anderson, Hunter, Chloe, and Dylan Murphy and her sister Valoris (Lori) Johnson.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 13th, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rapid City, Pastor Wilbur Holz presiding.
The family extends special thanks to her caregivers at Fountain Springs for their loving attention to Loleen.
