Edna Jane Anderson

Edna Jane Anderson (Jane), daughter of Martin L. and Marie (Musselman) Larson, a long-term resident of Newell, IA, passed away on February 13, 2025 in Sun City, AZ at the age of 97. Jane was born on the family farm near Eagle Grove, IA. A few years later, the family purchased and moved to a farm south of Eagle Grove where she spent the remainder of her childhood. She attended a rural, one-room school through 8th grade, skipping ahead two grade levels in the process. She then attended Eagle Grove High School and graduated in 1944 at the early age of 16. Jane exhibited a talent for music at an early age and became proficient at the piano and clarinet. After graduation, she attended the St. Louis Institute of Music to further her musical education in piano.

In 1944, Jane entered Iowa State College (ISC) and graduated in 1948 with a degree in Chemistry Education. The summer of 1946, she asked her chemistry professor if he might have a job for her washing laboratory equipment. The professor said he could find a better job based on her qualifications. This job was with the Ames Project which was a part of the Manhattan Project. When she was a junior, she met her future husband, Ken. Ken was a freshman at ISC after serving in the army during WWII. They were married in 1948 at the Methodist Church in Eagle Grove. After marriage, they settled in Ames, IA. Jane took a job as a Chemistry teaching assistant at ISC while Ken finished college. In 1950, Ken had the opportunity to farm with his uncle so they moved to Newell, IA where she lived for the next 69 years until they moved to Sun City, AZ in 2019.

Jane taught English and math for two years at the Newell Community School in the early 50s. She later taught chemistry at Sac City High School for 20 years, retiring in 1986. While at Newell, Jane was active in Eastern Star, Congregational Church activities and positions, and the Newell-Providence High School band parent’s association. Her children vividly remember that Jane maintained a large garden that everyone got to help with planting, harvesting, canning, or freezing of produce. For several years, Jane also had the major responsibility of taking care of the farm and raising a family while Ken attended summer school to obtain his master’s degree.

Due to rheumatoid arthritis, Jane and Ken became snowbirds and traveled to Sun City, AZ every winter from 1986 to 2019 when they became permanent residents of Arizona. They enjoyed making new friends and participating in activities in Paradise RV Resort. During her retirement, Jane was never happier than when they were traveling in the RV throughout the United States (including Alaska), Canada, and Mexico. They also enjoyed trips to Europe, Brazil, Central America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Jane is survived by 3 children: Keith Anderson, Tucson, AZ; Larry (Rose) Anderson, Ames, IA; Carmen Burton, Sun City, AZ; 4 grandchildren: Stacy Anderson, Story City, IA; Rae (Mike) Skow, Hilliard, FL; TJ (Meaghan) Anderson, Bondurant, IA; Austin Burton, East Moline, IL; 2 great-granddaughters: Gabrielle and Blair Anderson, Bondurant, IA; and sister: Mary (Harvey) Folkerts, Rochelle, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; her parents; and infant son, Bruce.

A memorial service will be held on March 21 at 2:00 PM at Paradise RV Resort in Sun City, AZ. A memorial service will be held this spring in Newell, IA.