Anna Weerts, 103, of Ulen, MN, died Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen.
Anne's life was a life well lived. Sometimes short in material possessions, she felt rich nonetheless.
Anna (Anne) Sophie Rosman was born on March 20, 1911, to Charles and Ingeborg Rosman at their home in rural Lake Park, MN. She was baptized by Pastor Dahlager at Houglum Lutheran Church in rural Lake Park. Pastor Dahlager was also the presiding pastor at her confirmation and wedding.
Anne grew up on the shore of West Cormorant Lake. The youngest in her family, she filled her childhood days with fishing, swimming, skiing and "tomboy" recreation. Ever the daredevil, she once swam across Detroit Lake as a teenager. Newly-arrived automobiles were looked on with amazement. When Anne received a ride in her older brother's new "wheels," they sped along at 30 miles per hour. Anne said, "It felt like we were flying." A memorable occasion was going to see Charles Lindberg at the Fargo fairgrounds when he was touring the country after his famous oceanic crossing. She remembered him standing next to his plane with his sandy hair blowing in the wind.
Anne married Louis Weerts in November of 1936 during the depression, after a year of terrible, extreme weather conditions. As newlyweds they survived as they could. Anne was a resourceful worker. She killed and butchered chickens, milked cows, preserved gallons of tomatoes, green beans and other vegetables from her garden, and baked homemade bread by the mountains. Laundry was a weekly chore done with a scrub board and motorized wringer washing machine. All of this while producing five children in seven years. After the children left home, she held jobs in a nursing home, the NDSU food service, and as a caretaker for an elderly lady.
As an adult, Anne was a member at Herby Lutheran Church, in rural Argusville, ND, where she taught Sunday School and Bible School, and was a member of the Circle and Ladies Aid. Anne was most recently a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN.
She always came through the rough times with a positive attitude. As the youngest living child in her family, she experienced the loss of all her brothers and sisters, their spouses, and her husband at the young age of 59. She dearly missed her sister-in-law, Ethel Rosman, who was her favorite fishing buddy. When Anne moved to the nursing home in 2008, she never complained, but was appreciative of the wonderful "girls" (nurses) who were so good to her. Always up for a game of Whist or Scrabble, she usually came out on top. She loved to read and watch golf on TV. Tiger and Phil were her favorites. Her cheerful attitude and upbeat personality will be missed by family and friends.
Anne is survived by her children, Allen Weerts of Iron River , WI, Violet (Kermit) Anderson of Hawley, MN, Dennis Weerts of Borup, MN, Earl Weerts of Ulen, MN, and Lois (Todd) Mikulecky of Hawley; 14 grandchildren, Lonnie (Kim) Weerts, Shawn (Annette) Weerts, Brad Weerts, Scott Weerts, Erin Weerts, Marc (Kim) Anderson, Todd (Jackie) Anderson, Julie (Kevin) Brenden, Bryan (Mindy) Weerts, Shiela (Chad) Sogge, Pamela (Paul) Guiles, Russell Quammen, Mike (Bobbie) Mikulecky, Angie Mikulecky;
26 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Charles and Ingeborg Rosman; husband, Louis Weerts; brothers, Ray Rosman, Albert (Pearl) Rosman, Tony (Belle – Irene) Rosman, Elmer (Ethel) Rosman, Ted (Helen) Rosman; sisters, Mabel Anderson Mork (Perry), Adeline (Alvin) Kragnes; and baby siblings, Henry and Ruth. She was also preceded in death by great-granddaughter Erin Anderson, son-in-law Douglas Quammen, and daughter-in-law Sylvia "Silver" Weerts.
Funeral Services were held on Monday, July 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal, MN. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Officiating was Pastor Del Moen with Penny Herzog serving as organist and special music provided by Mindy Weerts and Julie Brenden. Pallbearers were Robert Anderson, Wesley Anderson, Nick Anderson, Aaron Brenden, Brett Brenden, Ryan Anderson, Ben Brenden, Mitchell Fabre, Lucas Guiles and Wylie Brenden.
Burial was in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, Hitterdal.