LaVerne Anderson

Obituary of LaVerne Viola Anderson Houghton LaVerne (Jean Andrew) Anderson, 91, a resident of the Bluffs Senior Living Community and former long-time Hancock resident passed away Tuesday afternoon August 11, 2015, at her apartment in Houghton. She was born on November 10, 1923, in Wauwatosa, WI, a daughter of the late R. Ralph and Viola (Ollenberg) Mertz. LaVerne was a graduate of Wauwatosa High School and earned a B.S degree at Stout State University (Menomonie, WI). She finished her internship at Milwaukee County Hospital to complete the requirements to become a Registered Dietician. On June 3, 1950, she was united in marriage to Jean Andrew Anderson. The couple resided in Chicago, IL, and Fargo, ND, before moving to Hancock in 1955, where they resided for 56 years, until moving to the Bluffs Senior Living Community three years ago. Mrs. Anderson was a member of S.S. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church for 60 years. She had an active career as a professional (registered) dietician at Houghton County Medical Care Facility, Cypress Manor Nursing Home, Winkler Nursing Home in LAnse, and helped with a Native American alcohol re-habilitation program in Baraga. She was a loyal member of the Michigan Tech Wives Club and LaVerne and Jean were real regulars in the International Folk Dancing Club at Michigan Tech. She lent her energy to several meaningful non-profit groups in the area such as the Houghton County League of Women Voters, American Heart Association, and National Alliance on Mental Illness. To demonstrate her dedication to healthy living, LaVerne was a very regular long distance swimmer well into her 80s and she and Jean often were seen taking long walks in their neighborhood. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening, hiking, camping and led her daughters Girl Scout troop as a natural outcome. LaVerne was certainly a wonderful cook and baker for her family and friends. LaVerne and her husband, Jean, were avid NCAA hockey fans and own the record for the most continuous years (59) of holding Michigan Tech Huskie season tickets. Surviving are: Her husband: Jean Andrew Anderson of the Bluffs Senior Living Community Her children: Lynn (Richard) Wyman of Marshfield, WI Iver (Nancy) Anderson of Ames, IA Larry (Kathie) Anderson of Springfield, VA Brant (Carol) Anderson of Cedarburg, WI Jeffrey Anderson of Houghton Her grandchildren: Stephanie, Emilie, Jennifer, Alissa, Annika, Erica, Evan, Gabriel and Bethany. Her great granddaughter: Grace. Her twin sister: Delores (Ed) Resler of Columbus, IN Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins Funeral Services for LaVerne will be held 10 am Tuesday August 18, 2015, at S.S. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church of Houghton with Rev. Aaron Gehrke to officiate. Burial will be at the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock. Friends may call on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 from 9 am until time of services at the church. To view LaVernes obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral homes are assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of LaVerne Anderson, please visit Tribute Store