Gracia Anderson
Gracia O. Anderson, age 82 of Osseo, WI passed away peacefully on July 4, 2018 at Heritage Court Memory Care in Eau Claire, WI.
The former Gracia Olson was born July 23, 1935, in Willmar, MN to the late Wallace C. Sr. and Selma (Sjoquist) Olson. Following graduation from Willmar High School, she took a secretarial position with the Railroad to save for college. Gracia attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1958 with a BS degree in Home Economics. While at the U of M, Gracia met her future husband, Henry L. Anderson. They were married on August 29, 1958 at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, MN. She began her career as a Home Economist in Stillwater, MN and then the following year they moved to Lancaster, WI where Henry took a Forestry position. They lived in Whitehall, WI from 1962 – 1971, then Strum, WI for a year while building their home in rural Osseo, WI. Gracia became a substitute teacher in Osseo, fulfilling her love of education while allowing time to devote to raising her children.
Gracia’s faith was an important part of her life and this was shown in her active participation in her church teaching Sunday School, serving meals for funerals, Ladies Aid, Circle and serving on the Church Board. She played women’s and couples Bridge for most of her adult life. She also served on the Osseo-Fairchild School Board for eight years and was very proud of her role in the major renovation of the High School during her years on the board. Gracia is probably best remembered for her partnership with her husband, Henry, in their Christmas tree business. They sold Christmas trees on Rudolph Road in Eau Claire for many years until they started a choose and cut business on their home tree farm. Gracia enjoyed visiting with the customers, many of who returned yearly.
Gracia loved spending time with her children and grandchildren who will miss her dearly. Gracia and Henry wintered in Hawaii for 22 years where they met many friends, no one was a stranger. They also traveled to Alaska and Nova Scotia, Canada, Sweden and Germany during their retirement.
Gracia is survived by her husband, Henry, children: Ken (Ellen) Anderson of Eau Claire, WI, Nancy (Blaze) Brigman of Hudson, WI, Eric Anderson of Suring, WI, Leslie Elliott of Indianapolis, IN, Paul (Mari) Anderson of Lino Lakes, MN and grandchildren: Jessica Murphy (Lee Schlais), Justin (Theresa) Murphy, Jay (Abby Hinz, fiancé) Blodgett; Austin (Melody Ku, fiancé) Brigman, Lewis (Alexa) Brigman and Gracia (Vaughn) Forsythe; Sawyer, Claire, Emma and Henry Anderson; Christian and Mya Elliott; and Alicia, Brielle and Carter Anderson; brother-in-law Michael (Donna) Anderson of Bella Vista, AR; sister-in-law Pat (Olson) of Edina, MN; and several nieces & nephews.
In addition to her parents, Gracia was preceded in death by her brother Wallace C. Olson Jr. of Edina, MN, sister and brother-in-law Shirley Peterson and Dr. Wayne Peterson of Benson, MN, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carol Honn and Galen Honn of Edina, MN, niece Julie Olson of Edina, MN, nephew Doug Peterson of Benson, MN and son-in-law Kevin Elliott of Indianapolis, IN.
The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Court Memory Care, St. Croix Hospice and St. Joseph Hospice for their care and support.
A funeral service will be held at a future date.
Memorials are preferred to Osseo Evangelical Lutheran Church, 50351 Harmony, Osseo, WI 54758 and the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
Schiefelbein Funeral Home, Osseo is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.schiefelbeinfh.com.
