Elvera 'Vera' E. Anderson

HURLEY, Wis. - Elvera "Vera" E. Anderson, 88, of Ironwood, Mich., passed away peacefully Monday, July 6, 2015, at Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hurley, surrounded by members of her loving family. She was much beloved by her nine children, 23 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Vera was born in Ironwood on April 23, 1927, the youngest of eight siblings, to the late Isaac and Elizabeth (Waarala) Koskinen. She was a lifelong resident of Ironwood, attended local schools and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1945.

She married David R. Anderson, the love of her life, on Dec. 22, 1945. He preceded her in death on Oct. 5, 1970. Widowed at the age of 43, she began the challenge of raising her children on her own.

Although Vera had various employment positions outside of the home, her most important position was that of homemaker and mother to her children. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood and its Esther Circle.

Mom was an amazing baker, especially of delicious apple pies, pasties and Finnish braids. She was proud of her Finnish heritage and had a "Sisu" license plate on her car. When her neighbors smelled the wood smoke from her sauna, they knew that they were welcome for sauna and coffee with treats afterwards. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading and listening to music. Her favorite song was "Que Sera, Sera."

Surviving are eight children, Kathleen (Andrew) Cauthen, Collinsville, Ill., Christine Borden, Houston, Darlene "Dolly" (Donald) Dugan, Ironwood, Georgene (Terry) Decker, Ironwood, Daniel (Melanie) Anderson, Greenfield, Minn., Barbara (Mark) Courtney, Carbondale, Colo., Greg (Mary) Anderson, Belgium, Wis., and Amy Anderson, Houghton, Mich .; a sister, Evelyn Nelson, Ironwood; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews; and a special niece and her husband, Bonnie and Ted Ramp, of Ironwood Township.

Besides her parents and husband, Vera was predeceased by a son, David R. "Butch" Anderson Jr. in 1973; brothers, Walter, Nels and Uno Koski; and sisters, Betty Hall, Boots Menigoz, Ellen Blomberg and Gertie Mrdjenovich.

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

Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 11, at 1 p.m., preceded by visitation at noon, at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Kurt Kovanen officiating.

Committal will take place at the church, with luncheon to follow at the Elk & Hound on Country Club Road in Ironwood.

Private inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Midland Ave., Ironwood, MI 49938, or the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Michigan Chapter, 252200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48033-7443.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be given to Vera's family online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center for the love, attention and care given to our mother.