Susan G. Anderson, 99, passed away at May Creek Lodge October 25, 2017, two months shy of her 100th birthday, but continues her spiritual journey, greeted by the Creator and reunited with deceased family and friends especially her beloved husband, Harlan.  Sue was born on Bear Island, Leech Lake, January 1, 1918.  Her mother, Isabel, named her De bay quad, which means “Everlasting Feather”.  Sue was raised on the family farm on Horseshoe Bay and her first language was Ojibwe, but she learned English at elementary school in Turtle Lake and from white friends and neighbors.  She attended boarding school at Flandreau, S.D. and nursing school at St. Mary’s Hospital in Minneapolis.  After graduating Sue worked in the Native American facility at Aw Gwah Ching as a nurse.  While in Minneapolis she reacquainted with Harlan V. Anderson whose parents owned a grocery store in Walker.  Harlan, a Walker High School graduate was studying chemical engineering at the University of Minnesota.  They married September 14, 1941.  Their two sons, Harlan Jr. and Roger were born in 1942 and 1946.  The family moved to Edina, Minnesota in 1949 and when Harlan retired in 1974 they moved to Agency Bay on Leech Lake where they lived until Harlan Senior’s death in 1989.  Sue then moved to Walker where she resided until her passing. 

Sue was a devoted daughter, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and treasured friend.  When she and Harlan moved back to Leech Lake, she and Isabel would work birchbark together conversing bi-lingually, Isabel speaking Ojibwe and Sue English.  They traveled to Washington D.C. in 1976 for the BiCentennial Celebration, guests of the Smithsonian to display traditional crafts.

Sue was a stay at home mom and had her own dressmaking business.  She was especially proud as the creator of niece Judy Mendenhall’s gowns in the Miss America Competition.  She supported her sons as a den mother in scouting and volunteered at their schools.  She graciously accompanied “her boys” on family tent camping trips which would not have been her first choice for overnight accommodations.  Her preferred recreational pastime was bowling, mixed doubles and women’s league.  She and Harlan relished a happy and full retirement on Agency Bay.  She worked at the Onigum Point Marina part time.  She played Bridge with Walker friends.  She and Harlan followed brother-in-law Ralph Mendenhall’s “Memories” band.  They hosted their sons’ families for extended summer vacations.

After moving to Walker Sue immersed herself with bridge becoming an accomplished player and regular in sister-in-law and best friend, Jewell Mendenhall’s clubs and did volunteer work.  She was a breakfast buddy at school and on the Community School Education Board.

Sue’s survivors include her sons:  Harlan, Jr. (Jill), Roger, (Fay Bruchert); grandchildren: Lisa Anderson, Sean (Shelly) Anderson, Simon Anderson, Erik Anderson, Kelly Hamren and Katie Bruchert.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Isabel Marshall; husband, Harlan V. Anderson, Sr.; brothers, Frank and George Marshall; and sisters, Julia Mae and Mary Marshall.

The family is grateful to the staff, particularly the personal care assistants, at May Creek for the care and attention they provided Sue.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 3, 2017 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Walker, MN.  A one hour visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. also at the church.  Father Timothy Lange will officiate.  Inurnment will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Susan’s name to the WHA, Sue Anderson Memorial Fund or the WHA Special Olympics, both at P.O. Box 4000, Walker, MN 56484-4261.

Susan’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com.