Mary Anderson, 72

Mary Anderson, 72, died unexpectedly at her home in Ostrander on Saturday, January 13th, 2024.

Mary was born May 10th, 1951, in Austin, Minnesota, the daughter of Nordahl and Verna (Jackson) Braaten. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Mary graduated from Austin High School, Austin Community College, and St. Cloud State University with her degree in Education. Her first teaching job was at the elementary school at Staples, MN, and a few years later she returned to southern Minnesota to begin her teaching career at Grand Meadow. Mary met Keith Anderson and they were married at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. They made their home in Ostrander with Keith’s daughter Mandy and welcomed son Erick in 1983. They later divorced. Mary continued teaching until reaching that magic rule of 90 age which allowed for her retirement from full time teaching.

In retirement Mary continued to substitute in some of the area schools, but Grand Meadow was always at the top of the list. As an exceptionally talented seamstress she was doing alterations and began taking on prom dresses and numerous wedding dresses, conquering miles of tulle, satin, and beading. After watching a bear cub webcam, she fell in love with a cub one winter which led her to become a volunteer and member of the North American Bear Center at Ely, MN, where she made many friends from across the country and around the world. Mary was a strong supporter of the Ostrander community, a member of the Lion’s Club and Trinity Lutheran Church, serving on the church council. She also wrote a column for the Grand Meadow Paper.

Mary is survived by her children Erick Anderson and Ally Anderson, Grand Meadow; Mandy and Adam Mergen, Cold Spring, MN; grandchildren Autumn Anderson, the twins, Charlie and Lily Mergen, and Charlotte Keller; brothers and sister-in-law, Jim Braaten, Austin, MN; Mark and Dorothy Braaten, Anoka, MN; nieces Alyssa Bancroft and Jerika Braaten and Nephew Jayson Braaten and cousins.

Funeral Service for Mary will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Herman Bakker officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 at Trinity Lutheran on Friday, January 19, 2024, and will continue on Saturday from 10-11am, prior to the start of the service.

Online condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com

Hindt Funeral Home is assisting the family.