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Donna Jean (Larson) Anderson, age 89, of North Branch passed away peacefully on June 13, 2024 at Encore Assisted Living surrounded by her family.

Donna was born on February 15, 1935 to Charlotte (Ellingson) Larson and Ernest Larson in St. Paul, Minnesota. The family moved to Isanti, Minnesota shortly after and operated a dairy and crop farm. Some of Donna’s childhood memories that she shared were one particular favorite Christmas when she and her sister Pat got ice skates so that they could skate on the frozen pond in the pasture. She also recalled the family getting stranded during the Armistice Day blizzard of 1940 and how her Dad had to cross country ski home to milk the Guernseys.

Donna had an adventuresome spirit as an adolescent. One of her most-recalled memories was when she and her friend Dorothy got jobs during the summer of her junior year in high school in Minneapolis. Donna graduated from Cambridge High School in 1953. After graduation she and Dorothy set out for Colorado where they worked as nannies and explored the Rocky Mountains.

In 1956 she met the love of her life George Anderson at the Moulton roller rink in Rush City. The couple married in March of 1958 and moved to the Anderson family farm south of North Branch. This union brought three children: Zachary, Daniel and Charlene. Donna was a fabulous baker and the children could count on fresh cinnamon rolls as a favorite after school snack. Family was the center of everything in Donna’s life. After retirement, George and Donna loved to travel and she was proud to say they visited every state except the two Carolinas (including Alaska and Hawaii). Camping at Timberline campground in Sturgeon Lake was also a favorite activity. Whether it be dance recitals, football games or tennis matches, George and Donna faithfully attended the events of their grandchildren. Donna was especially proud that all three granddaughters were North Branch Ambassadors.

Donna was the embodiment of what it means to be a Christian woman. Her family will remember her as being very patient and kind. She rarely complained. Despite losing two children, her faith in her Lord Jesus never wavered

Donna is survived by her son Daniel (Valerie), daughter in law Shelly Anderson, son in law Donovahn Nyberg; brothers in law Clarence Anderson and Bill Mathews; grandchildren McKenzie, Zachary, Elizabeth and Britta; great grand-children Zachary, Nova, Luna and Winnie. 

She is preceded in death by her husband George, her parents, sister Patricia and son Zachary and daughter Charlene.

Donna’s funeral will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch, MN at 11 AM Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the same location

In conclusion, the family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their love and support. Finally, thank you to her Encore family, she was very proud to call Encore her home in her final years.

Memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Arrangements made with Grandstrand Funeral Home of Lindstrom, MN. Condolences can be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.

com.

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