Marian Katherine Anderson

Marian K. Anderson 76 of Enderlin, North Dakota died Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Maryhill Manor, Enderlin, North Dakota.

Marian was born on December 30, 1941 the daughter of George and Syma (Heikkila) Selander in Lakota, North Dakota. She was raised and educated in Enderlin, graduating from high school in 1959. While in high school she was often recognized for her sense of style and fashion and was an accomplished seamstress. Marian met the love of her life, Jerry Anderson while working at Red’s Café in Enderlin. They were united in marriage on February 20, 1959 at First Lutheran Church in Enderlin. They lived on Jerry’s parent’s farm just north of Sheldon until 1962, when they established their own farm northeast of Enderlin along the Maple River.

Farm life was a new challenge and Marian worked side by side with Jerry as they grew their family and kept their home. Marian was often driving the grain truck, helping to bale hay, milking cows, raising pigs and beef cattle, sheep, & chickens, taking in an orphaned calf or lamb, always having family pets, all while raising their five children from their pretty spot by the river. When one of the kid’s needed something for a project she was there with her sewing skills, fabric, glue and imagination. She always encouraged her children to do what they wanted to do. When not farming or working part-time, she was an active part of her husband’s dance bands for 25 years.  She would write words in the song book for a new song, sew special shirts for the band to wear or make a lunch for the band’s late night trip home. She also worked hard outside of the farm and held jobs at the local restaurants & area supper clubs. Often her children would come to say hello and get treated to a Shirley Temple or a Roy Rogers.  In addition, Marian’s career included 15+ years in dietary and cooking at Maryhill Manor where she took pride in her work and treasured the friendships she made

In the Enderlin community Marian was active with the Enderlin VFW Auxiliary serving in various officer/leadership and volunteer roles. Her hobbies were reading, sewing, bowling and travel. She enjoyed cooking and baking and would always have an answer to a recipe question.  When her son-in-law’s and grandchildren showed an interest in sports or other things, she would read about it so she could talk about their interests.  She enjoyed watching the NDSU Bison and in her later years did not miss watching a game with her dog Dash by her side. She will be remembered as a caring Mom and a loving grandmother who was feisty, stubborn, resilient, smart, extremely strong, and hardworking, but most of all proud of her children and their families.  She celebrated all accomplishments and enjoyed Facetiming to catch up with everyone. She played a mean Texas Hold’em on holidays and loved it when she would win! 

Marian is survived by her children, Renee(David) Lunneborg of Alexandria, MN; Roxane (Curtis) Gilje of Eden Prairie, MN; Jon(Maureen) Anderson of LaVernia, TX; Julie(Richard) Laufenberg of West Fargo, ND; Tifanie(Bryan) Gelinske of Fargo, ND; thirteen grandchildren, Todd(Brandi) and Kyle(Nina) Lunneborg, Alette, Brian and Andrew Gilje, Shawna and Ryan Anderson, Tyler(Aubrie) and Taylor Laufenberg, and John, Jason, Julia and James Gelinske; three great-grandchildren, Ian, Ara & Kaiden Lunneborg; numerous nieces and nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her parents and her two brothers, George and Lawrence Selander.

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