Beverly Anderson

Beverly ‘Jean’ Anderson, 87, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, at the Mayo Clinic H.S. Hospital in St. James surrounded by her loving family.

A private graveside service, for family only, will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021 at Fort Snelling Cemetery, laying her to rest with her husband, Donald. A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held at a later date.

You may send the family condolences online at www.sturmfh.com

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.

Jean, daughter of William F. and Elsie (Anderson) Anderson, was born on May 7, 1934 in Madelia and baptized at East Sweadahl Lutheran Church. She was the third of five children growing up on the family farm north of St. James. Jean attended school in St. James, and after graduation she moved to Minneapolis, doing office work at Donaldson’s Department Store. That’s when she met Donald W. Anderson, an aerial photographer in the U.S. Air Force (1951-1955); they were united in marriage in Mendota on May 7, 1953. When Don returned from Korea in 1955, they moved to his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. In 1958, they returned to Minnesota and raised their six children in St. James. Jean had been employed at Tony Downs Foods just before she retired to care for Don when his health started to fail.

She found great enjoyment traveling to see family in Idaho, Michigan, and Iowa. Jean never really left home on trips unless she was going with or towards family. She cherished large family gatherings where she could create her signature dishes for appreciative appetites, but most of all, Jean thought nothing was better than a picnic with its relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie. And there was almost always a baby that needed cuddling in those gatherings, for which she volunteered eagerly. Jean was well-known for her love of shopping, but also known for her amusing commentary on life that’d frequently catch her family off guard, and plenty of laughter. She made good friends with the ladies and gentlemen at her apartment building; taking time to look out for each other, and she took pleasure in being hostess to their daily coffee klatches in the common room.

Jean is survived by her six children: Cynthia (Steve) Tenney of Charles City, Iowa; Michael (Katie) Anderson of Marshalltown, Iowa; Tina Zoellmer of St. Paul; Cheri (Mike) Anderson, Karen (Steve Firchau) Anderson, and Carol (Brian) Stradtman, all of St. James; 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; brothers Bob (Janice) Anderson of St. James, John Anderson of New Ulm, and sister Kay (Tom) Rivers of Centuria, Wisconsin; brother-in-law Jerry (Carol) Anderson of Freeland, Michigan, and many other family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brother Murray Anderson, great-granddaughter Christyonna Anderson, great-grandson Dayne Wendt, and several in-laws.

The family asks that any Memorials to please be directed in Jean’s memory to the St. James Mayo Clinic H.S. Hospice, in recognition of the excellent care they gave her in her last days.