Irene Anderson

Irene Anderson, age 97, of Storm Lake, Iowa died Thursday, May 22, 2014 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Irene Grau was born March 8, 1917 in Newell, Iowa, the daughter of Andrew P. and Anna D. (Thomsen) Grau. She was baptized and confirmed at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, Iowa. Irene loved music and frequently sang with her sister Hazel and her friends at church and social events. The sisters even sang at the Roof Garden. After graduating from high school in 1934, Irene worked at the grocery store in Newell, and later at the Danish Bakery where she honed her baking skills, and began making her legendary coffee bread. On August 11, 1940, Irene was united in marriage to Kip Anderson at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, and they made their home in Albert City. Their first child, Mary Ann, was born while Kip was serving in Europe during World War II. After the war, they lived in Albert City, where their son John (J.B.) was born and Irene helped Kip with his Standard Oil bulk station and delivery service business and later worked at Sohigro once her children were in college. Irene was passionate about being a good wife and mother and was very active in the community. She was a member of the Ladies Aid, church choir, bridge clubs, and Federated Club. She also served as a Brownie Scout Leader and joined Kip in strong support for local school activities and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Irene and Kip enjoyed many happy years of retirement in Nevis, Minnesota, Ellenton, Florida, and Storm Lake – fishing, golfing, playing bridge, and spending precious time with family, friends, and more friends. She and Kip had 68 wonderful years together and danced their way through life, never missing an opportunity to take the floor. Cherishing her memory are her daughter, Mary Ann (Richard) Garwood of North Palm Beach, Florida; son, John (Bonnie) Anderson of Maple Plain, Minnesota; “daughter”, Ruth (Andy) Paulsen of Storm Lake, Iowa; grandsons: Ben (Kari) Anderson of Minneapolis, Dan Anderson and fiancé Brynn Bauer of Minneapolis, Greg (Lisa) Garwood of Palm Beach Shores, Florida; granddaughter, Gwen (Danilo) Chianella of Isle of Palms, SC; great- grandchildren: Dafne Andrea and Bryan Chianella; Annie Iles; and Caylin Brewer; great-great grandchildren: Jayden, Colin, and Skye; cousin Bob (Marge) Willadsen, and many special nieces, nephews, and friends. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Kip; parents; sister, Hazel Bolt; cousin, Blanche Konicek Twogood; and great-great-grandson, Slade. Irene was exceptionally appreciative of the joys life gave her. Her favorite expression says it all, Ve har det så godt, which is Danish for “we have it so good”.

Irene Anderson

March 8, 1917 - May 22, 2014