Maurice Anderson, age 92, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Monday, January 22, 2007, in the Mahnomen Health Care Center Hospital, Mahnomen, Minnesota.
Maurice Gordon Anderson was born May 27, 1914, the son of Peter and Olava (Hoyme) Anderson in Shelvin, Minnesota, where he was raised and attended school. He later moved to Bemidji, Minnesota, where he graduated from high school. He went on to further his education by earning his Bachelor of Science degree at Bemidji State University and his Masters degree at Moorhead State University. He also did further graduate work at North Dakota State University.
In the fall of 1933, Maurice began his teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Clearwater County which marked the beginning of a career in education that continued for over forty-four years. On October 10, 1936, Maurice was united in marriage to Ruth Christianson at Grand Forks, North Dakota. The couple lived in several locations where Maurice taught school or held administrative positions such as in Neilsville, Dugdale Consolidated School, Mentor, Shevlin, Bejou and Karlstad before coming to Twin Valley in 1961 as elementary principal. He served as elementary principal until 1966, when he became superintendent. He retired in December of 1977. Shortly after his retirement, Maurice became the Twin Valley City Clerk which he did for 11 years. Maurice and Ruth continued to make their home in Twin Valley, most recently residing at the Normandy Apartments.
Maurice was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Minnesota Education Association, and the National Education Association. He was also a Boy Scout leader as well as being active in politics. Maurice enjoyed bowling, woodworking and he treasured the time he spent with his family.
Maurice is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth of Twin Valley, MN; son, Wayne (Lila) Anderson of West Fargo, ND; daughters, Maureen (Gordon) Nelson of Gary, MN, Elaine (Dick) Swanson of St. Michael, MN and Debra (Brian) Amenrud of Coon Rapids, MN; 16 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, two half-brothers, and one half-sister.
Visitation was Wednesday, January 24, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation was be one hour before services at the church on Thursday. Funeral Services were held Thursday, January 25 at 11:00 AM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Officiating was Pastor Charles Bade with Danette Gwin serving as organist and Alden Anderson serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Leif Anderson, Tag Anderson, Eric Anderson, Matt Amenrud, Brad Trane, Mike Nelson and Paul Nelson. Honorary pallbearers were Pam Matzke, Laurie Sather, Jana Pederson, Darci Nelson, Meg Fallgatter, Kathy Gorski, Beth Melson, Barb Schlimme and Amy Steffen.
Interment were in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.