Alma Anderson

Alma passed away August 3, 2004, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, IA, where she had been a resident for 17 years. She was 109 years old - the oldest native of Worth County, Iowa. Alma Anderson was born January 13, 1895, to Ole B. and Helen Trom Reyerson in Silver Lake Township, Worth County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Silver Lake Lutheran Church and grew up on the family farm. When Alma was a young woman, she was a live-in housekeeper for many prominent families throughout the area. In 1934, she returned to the family farm following the death of her mother and brother, George, who both died on the same day. With the help of neighbors and hired help, she tended the family farm for five years when her brother, Roy and family moved to the homestead and Alma moved to Albert Lea. She then became a member of the First Lutheran Church. Alma was a wonderful seamstress and did sewing for many people. She also worked at the Dahl Grocery on Bridge Street. She loved to entertain and always set a beautiful table. On October 31, 1944, Alma was united in marriage to Chris Anderson and the couple resided at 932 Bridge Avenue. One of the highlights in her life was a trip to Denmark to visit Chris' homeland. Chris passed away February 25, 1974. Alma remained in her home until moving to the Northwood Retirement Home. Although Alma never had any children, she was a mother and grandmother figure to many. Left to cherish her memory are a niece, Hazel Shaw of Fargo, ND and her nephew's wife, Dorothy Reyerson, who had attended to Alma's personal life for many years. Other survivors are great-nieces: Marge Tenold and husband Dave, Donna Haugen and husband Neil, Joan Vorland and husband Tom, Jean Hrubetz and special friend Tom Capranos, and Eileen Dahlby, all of Northwood and Mavis Wagner and husband Ray of Fargo; and a host of great-great-nieces and nephews. Alma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chris; brothers, George and Roy and a sister-in-law, May Reyerson; and a special nephew, Maurice Reyerson who passed away in 2003. Blessed be her memory.