C. Elmer Anderson

C. Elmer Anderson, 89, of Moorhead, MN, passed away at his home on Wednesday, September 22nd 2010, under the attentive care of the Hospice of the Red River Valley and his loving wife of 66 years, Gert Anderson. Elmer was born September 9th, 1921 on a farm near Amenia, ND to Charles and Phoebe Anderson. He graduated Valedictorian from Amenia High School in 1939. He attended the Wahpeton State School of Science, then worked as a Licensing Clerk for the State Insurance Commisioner’s office in Bismarck, ND. During the Second World War, Elmer was inducted in 1942 into the US Army, where he served 3 years in Military Intelligence for the 89th Infantry Division, including a tour of duty in France and Germany from 1944-1945. Following his honorable discharge from the Army in December 1945, he began his career at Western States Life Insurance Company in Fargo. He retired in 1986 as President, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of Western States Life. On August 30th, 1944, he was united in marriage to Gertrude Brandt at Grace Lutheran Church in Fargo. Elmer and Gert have continued as faithful devoted members of Grace congregation for life. Gert and Elmer moved from Fargo to Moorhead in 1951, where they raised their family and have lived ever since. Elmer’s greatest joy in life was time spent with his family. Elmer is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gertrude; daughter Carla (Daryl) Batalden; son Thomas (Carol) Anderson; daughter Cynthia (Bruce) Markey; and son Charles (Heidi) Anderson; 14 grandchildren and 10 great - grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 5PM to 7PM on Monday September 27th, 2010 at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home at 215 S. 7th St. in Fargo, with a Prayer Service starting at 5PM. Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 at Grace Lutheran Church at 821 5th Avenue South in Fargo. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran School or Church, or Hospice of the Red River Valley. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.