Renee Toni Anderson

DULUTH, Minn. — Renee Toni Anderson, 56, of Ironwood, Mich., died Sunday, April 7, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, following a courageous battle with cancer.

The former Renee Nygard was born Sept. 24, 1956, in Ironwood, daughter of Marilyn (Eplett) and the late Ronald Nygard Sr., attended Newport Grade School, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1974. She resided in Madison, Wis., where she was employed in retail for 15 years, then returned to the area and worked at the Red Owl, Super One, Fashion Bug and as an MHSDA agent. She was currently employed as a title clerk at Hurley-Ashland Honda/Toyota.

Renee was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Ironwood. She enjoyed floral and interior design and craft work. An extremely devoted mother, she put others before herself and always had a smile. She considered her nephew and niece, Logan and Mattea, as her children and supported them in all of their activities.

Renee was married to Dale Anderson for 15 years.

She then married Harry Martin in 1992. He survives.

Also surviving are her son, Christopher Anderson, mother, Marilyn Nygard, and brother, Ronald (Kristie) Nygard Jr., all of Ironwood; sisters, Jane (Martin) Polimus, Janesville, Wis., Tina (John) Olkonen, Ironwood, and Ronda (Bill) Olkonen, Oma, Wis .; father-in-law, Harry Martin, Green Bay, Wis .; mother-in-law, Vivian Ranta, Hurley, Wis .; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Renee was predeceased by her father, Ronald H. Nygard Sr., on May 17, 2008.

Out of respect for her wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Friday, April 12, at 2 p.m., preceded by visitation at 1 p.m., at Wesley United Methodist Church, 500 E. McLeod Ave., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Rosemary DeHut, pastor, officiating, and Rev. Jean Rencontre, former pastor, assisting.

Cake and coffee will be served in the church fellowship hall following the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood, where condolences may be given online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.