Janet Anderson

Janet Anderson, age 91, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Fairway View Neighborhoods in Ortonville, MN.

A memorial open house will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre at Fairway View Neighborhoods in Ortonville, MN. 

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Pastor Anjanette Bandel will officiate, and inurnment will be at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston, MN.

Janet Elna Anderson was born August 19, 1933, in rural Sherman, SD, to Harold and Junie (Edmundson) Remme. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Palisades Lutheran Church of rural Garretson, SD.

Janet graduated from Garretson High School, then worked as a secretary in Sioux Falls, SD.

While in high school she met the love of her life, Wilbur “Swede” Anderson of Jasper, MN. During Swede’s military service during the Korean Conflict, Janet and Swede stayed in touch through their many love letters (which have been saved through the years). In one of the love letters, Swede asked Janet to marry him. She received her engagement ring in the mail that Swede had bought while in port at San Diego, CA. Janet and Swede were married on December 19, 1953. Janet and her mother planned the wedding in 11 days to coincide with Swede’s military leave. In Janet’s journal she wrote, “What I value most in life is sharing life with Swede. He is a part of me. Love is the greatest reward”. They were married 69 years when Swede died in 2023.

Janet and Swede lived in Jasper, Mankato, and Waseca, MN, prior to settling in Rochester, MN, for 60 years and raising their family of a daughter (Neva) and sons (Nile and Collin). They loved watching their childrens’ activities and rarely missed a game or event. They moved to Ortonville, MN, in 2020 to be closer to Neva.

Dedicated to her faith and church, Janet was active in circles, Bible studies, Christian Women United and assisted with communion, funerals, festivals, dinners and other church gatherings.

Janet loved baking. Her door was always open to those who stopped by for a beverage and treats. She was known as the “Kool-Aid mom” by her children and their friends. Refrigerator cookies and carrot jello were two of Janet’s favorites. 

Left to cherish Janet’s memory are her daughter, Neva (Jim) Foster; sons: Nile (Deb) Anderson and Collin (Linda) Anderson; grandchildren: Nathan (Melissa), Adrienne, Allison (Jamie), Jesse, and Lee (Sarah); great-grandchildren: Austin, Rayne, Macy, Kolby, Lexy, Beckett, Cade, Bentley, Hayzen, and Noah; and great-great-grandson, Oliver. 

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life, husband, Swede; siblings: Junell (June) Remme, Ronnie Remme, and Ruby Julson; and niece, Paula.

Family requests donations be made to the Fairway View Gazebo fund or the First English Church Day of Love quilters.