Carol Anderson

Carol Elizabeth Williamson Anderson, daughter of Emil and Martha Wilkens Williamson, was born Dec. 21, 1936, in Ada, MN. She attended schools in Lockhart and Ada, MN, Interstate Business College in Fargo (1954), and the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis (1956-58). She was enrolled in the Deacon/Gifts Program in Eastern N. Dakota (1990-95). She also received a BA Equivalency and was commissioned in 1993 as an Associate in Ministry and worked for 10 years (1989-99) as Parish Assistant at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. In addition, she worked at the Northern School Supply (1954-56), the ND House of Mercy (1958-63) [now known as Luther Hall], in Fargo, ND, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Grand Forks as secretary (1970-74), part-time at Valley Memorial Home (Valley Eldercare) in Grand Forks (1982-2011), and part-time during winters at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ (1999-2003).

On August 16, 1959, she married William D, Anderson in Fargo. They lived there until 1966, when they moved to Grand Forks. They raised 3 sons: Cory (Celeste) Anderson of Sherwood, OR, Emily (Trevor), Kaylee, Josiah & Hannah; Carter (Tammy) Anderson of Cornelius, OR, Kayla (Carsten), Tyler (Malisa); Chris (Jenn) Anderson of Aberdeen, SD, Jake (Bailey), Brock.

In addition to her 8 grandchildren, there are 4 great-grandchildren: Nahlia, Maya, Clare, and Rhett, with one more due very soon. She also has 13 surviving nieces and nephews.

Carol served as Director and Teacher of the St. Mark’s Thursday Church School (Special Ed) for 28 years. She also had many positions in Pack 130 and Troop 130, receiving the Silver Beaver and the Lamb Award in scouting, and helped husband Bill, guide 40 scouts in receiving their Eagle Scout Award. In 1984, The Thursday Church School received the ARC Dove Award for Distinguished Community Service. She served many years for the Valley Memorial Homes VM-1000.

Carol enjoyed oil painting, bicycling, volunteering, baking, gardening, game playing, and socializing with her friends. She especially enjoyed time with family—affectionately known as the Purple Grandma/Nana, to her grandchildren.

In recent years, she split her time between Grand Forks, ND, and Mesa, AZ. In the past year she resided in Forest Grove, OR, close to her 2 oldest sons. She passed very peacefully, surrounded by family, in the early morning of September 15, 2021. In August she enjoyed seeing all her boys and most of the immediate family. Carol was loving, a giver of her time and talents. She was a great friend to many, and she set a great example in how she cared for and loved people—unconditionally. Her faith in God was of utmost importance, and that showed in all areas of her beautiful life.

Deceased: Husband, William D. Anderson (2009), Parents Emil (1964) and Martha (1989) Williamson; brother, Pastor Marvin Williamson (1987), sister, Marette Klevgaard (2002), nephew Randy (1988), and stepfather, Oliver Gilbertson (1990).

Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022 in Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks.  

Remembrances in her honor can be sent to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa, AZ, a charity dear to her heart.