Lela L. Anderson

Lela L. Anderson, age 90, of Linn Grove, Iowa died Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at St. Luke's Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa. 

Memorial services will take place Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Sioux Rapids, Iowa. There will be a private family burial in the Barnes Township Cemetery in Linn Grove. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements. 

Lela Lavonne Struve Anderson, the daughter of Hans Henry and Emily Elizabeth (Hughes) Struve, the youngest of 4 children, was born on November 28th, 1928 in Sioux Rapids, Iowa.  She was baptized in the Methodist church and was raised on a farm North of Sioux Rapids. Lela attended Cornell school, where she was active in music and was a cheerleader, she graduated in 1946.   That August Lela was selected by movie star Ronald “Dutch” Reagan from a field of seven beauties, and was crowned queen of the Storm Lake Semipro baseball tournament. On September 1st, 1946 she married Doyle Brainard Anderson.  Lela was confirmed to the Lutheran Church after marriage. To this union five children were born: twins David Allen and Douglas Dale, sons Duane Russell, Paul Brainard, and daughter Elaine Vivian. The majority of Lela’s life was spent on the farm she and Doyle purchased northwest of Linn Grove around 1957.

Lela was a loving Mom & Grandma, known for her delicious homemade cinnamon rolls, donuts, bread, and pies.  Along with the help of her 5 children, she raised 2,000 laying hens yearly. Lela looked for reasons to be outdoors, had a large garden and would take her turn bringing the milk cows home from the pasture if she had time. Lela sewed her family’s clothes including her daughter’s wedding dress, refinished and upholstered furniture, drew and painted pictures. Music was part of Lela’s life, she played the piano, organ, ukulele, guitar, sang in the church choir, sang solo’s when requested for events, loved to dance.  The whole family sang Christmas carols around the piano during the holidays, her musical ability was passed on to many family members.

Lela was a competitive person and loved every type of sport or game. She did not let her children or grandchildren just win - they had to earn it!  Once she had more time later in life Lela took-up bowling and golf. Lela was known for her crocheting and tatting creations, including the angel Christmas tree top and tree decorations, all sizes/styles of doilies, baby sweaters/blankets, afghans.

Lela passed away July 10th, 2019  at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer reaching the age of 90 years 7 months 12 days.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Doyle, her son Paul, her grandson Adam J. Anderson, her brothers Bob and Dick Struve, and sister Vivian (Struve) Bainbridge.  Left to cherish her memory are sons: David of Storm Lake, IA, Doug & wife Darlene of Hulbert, OK, Duane & Wendy of Linn Grove, and her daughter Elaine Schoening & husband Martin of Linn Grove, IA.  Nine grandchildren: Dorie Willis & husband Eric, Broken Arrow, OK, Janelle Woldruff & husband Kory, Lisbon, IA , Jason Anderson & wife Angie, Spencer, IA, Venus Anderson-Schommer & husband Michael, Omaha, NE, Stephanie Schoening  & husband Matthew, Greenwood, MO, Ben Anderson & wife Amber, Milford, IA, Nathan Anderson & wife Shannon, Broken Arrow, OK, Jake Schoening & wife Kerri, Larchwood, IA, Rena Mulnix & husband Martin, Lisbon, IA. 14 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, daughter-in-law JoAnn Anderson, brother and sisters-in-law: Dick  Anderson & wife Cyndy, Janet Mills & husband John, Barbara Loving & husband Byron, Helen Holmes & husband Bob, along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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