Mary Anderson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mary Anderson, age 99, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died on Friday, June 17, 2022 in Pella, Iowa. Memorial services will take place Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, Iowa. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of arrangements. Mary M. Anderson, 99, was born October 22, 1922 in Des Moines, Iowa to Elvin and Anne Kachel. Growing up, Mary enjoyed going squirrel and rabbit hunting with her father. In her junior high and high school years, she worked in her parents' restaurant, Kachel Kitchen. She loved to bike and roller skate. In high school, she competed on the swimming team and became a champion graceful diver. You would often find Mary sharing her gift of ice skating by performing demonstrations for the City of Des Moines. She graduated from Des Moines North High School. Mary married Noel Merrill Anderson on June 21, 1941. Their marriage was soon interrupted by Pearl Harbor and the onset of World War II. Noel enlisted in the Army Air Corps. and was assigned to basic training in Glendale, Arizona. Mary accompanied him by staying in the housing provided for the airmen’s wives. Noel then advanced to flight training in Marfa, Texas and Mary moved with him and billeted in the Indian Lodge in Davis Mountain State Park near Alpine. After advanced flight training, Noel was sent overseas to New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea to fly C-47 transport planes. Mary then moved to California to be with her sister Bertie and her Aunt B.A. to work in a factory on the line that manufactured materials for the war effort. After the war, Noel was offered a position as a pilot with Braniff Airways but turned down the offer to spend more time with Mary. Noel found employment with a company in Iowa working as a sales director. After several years, Noel decided to leave the company and strike out on his own. They made the risky venture, against all odds, to start Merrill Manufacturing based on his inventions in their one car garage in Des Moines. In 1957 Noel, Mary and their two sons, Merrill and Stephen, relocated the small company to Storm Lake. Mary greatly enjoyed entertaining and was actively involved in many community activities and groups in Storm Lake. She was the perfect hostess and a fabulous cook with everything garnished, elegant and beautiful. Even in her late 90’s, Mary could tell you how to make a delicious meal or a tender roast from memory. Noel and Mary enjoyed ballroom dancing and were filmed dancing at the Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake for a commercial aired on television. After building their new home on South Shore, you could find Mary ice skating on the lake in her cute little skirt and sweater. Mary was always beautifully dressed as if she had just stepped out of a bandbox, as her life dream was to be a fashion designer. When Noel was overseas, he would send money back for her to save for a fur coat, but instead she bought a sewing machine. She became a very accomplished seamstress, even creating a huge fabric “Wave of Innovation” backdrop for a Merrill National Trade Show in the 1980’s. Mary and Noel traveled abroad to many different countries after his retirement. They served as U.S. Ambassadors to Australia as a team representing the USA. They spent their winters in Sun City West, Arizona and spent many days on the golf course. Following Noel’s passing in 2005, she continued to live in the same retirement community as her sister Claudia and was actively involved in Bible studies and serving others. In March 2022 she moved to Pella, Iowa to be closer to family and was blessed with months of joy, spring beauty and getting to regularly see family before her passing on June 17th at the Comfort House in Pella. She will be remembered for her upbeat personality, perseverance, and sincere love for all who came into contact with her. Left to cherish her memory include her children: Merrill (Dedra) Anderson of Denver, Colorado and Steve (Jacqueline) Anderson of Storm Lake, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Nathan (Karli) Anderson, Nick (Karen) Anderson, Whitney (Eric) Turner, Mitchell Anderson, Matt (Sarah) Anderson, Joel Anderson, and Holly (Dr. Michael) Walsh; thirteen great-grandchildren and sister: Claudia (Jimmy) Smith of Phoenix, Arizona. Mary is preceded in death by her late husband, Noel Anderson, and her sister, Bertie (Del) Rundquist.

Mary Anderson

October 22, 1922 - June 17, 2022