Watch Lee's Funeral

Leola "Lee" Anderson-Rousu, age 86, of Callaway, MN, died on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Oak Crossing Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Leola "Lee" Rae Nicholson was born in Vancouver, WA, on March 12, 1938, the daughter of Clifford and Blanche (Switzer) Nicholson.  As a young girl, the family moved to North Dakota where Lee graduated from Bowesmont, ND.  She then furthered her education at Josef's School of Hair Design in Fargo, becoming a licensed beautician.  Lee owned and operated LeAnn's Beauty Salon in Detroit Lakes, MN, from 1974-1998.  On April 20, 1991, Leola was united in marriage to Thomas Rousu and they made their home together near Callaway. In 1998, Lee started working at Beauty Lane in Detroit Lakes until her retirement from the industry in 2004.  Her love of children showed through as she became a foster grandparent for the White Earth Head Start Program in 2004 until 2013.  Lee's abundant love was especially evident in the way she loved and cherished all her grandchildren.

During Lee's free time she had many hobbies that kept her busy.  She was a true homemaker who excelled at baking, cooking, sewing and gardening.  In her younger years, Lee enjoyed bowling and later in life it was the simple pleasures of watching and feeding the many birds that gathered on her porch.  Lee held memberships with Detroit Lakes Auxiliary, serving as the past president from 1987-1989.  In addition, she belonged to the MN Finnish American Historical Society where she served as the state treasurer from 2002-2007 and also the local Chapter #54-Becker County Finnish American Historical Society as their past treasurer.  Lee will be remembered as a loving and caring individual who cherished all her family and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Lee is survived by her husband, Tom, of Callaway; step sons: William (Maxine) Rousu of Bagley, MN, Donald (Cheyanne Farley) Rousu of Waubun, MN, and Richard Rousu of Callaway; four grandchildren: Caitlyn, Jordan, Faith and Remington; two brothers, Norman (Bev) Nicholson of Fargo, ND, and Gerald (Lynette) Nicholson of Beaverton, OR; brothers-in-law, Harvey Johnson of Kennedy, MN, and Dennis Danielson of Lake Havasu, AZ; several nieces and nephews and many extended family on Tom's side.  She was preceded in death by her father and mother; stepfather, Wilferd Fisher; and three sisters: Janice Nicholson, Bonnie Danielson and Goldie Johnson.

Blessed be the memory of Leola Anderson-Rousu.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, with Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Northern Lights Freedom and Life Church, Callaway, MN. Inurnment will be held in the Auran Finnish Cemetery, rural Callaway, on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 1 pm.