Phyllis (Pat) Anderson

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Phyllis (Pat) Anderson, age 92. Passed away August 21, 2015. Preceded in death by husbands Stanley Thompson and Herbert Roy (Andy) Anderson, and sister Lynn Whitcomb. Phyllis, known to everyone as “Pat,” was a supportive and beloved wife, a loving mother and strong advocate for her children, an inspiring teacher, a talented small business owner, and a loyal and fun friend to many. She was born in Ruthven, Iowa in 1922, where she grew up on a farm. At St. Olaf College, she fell in love with her future husband, Stan, and they married on Christmas Eve 1943, just before Stan headed off to war. After the war, the couple settled in Minneapolis, where they raised their children Tim and Terri. When Stan passed away in 1968, Pat went back to school and returned to her profession of teaching. In 1970, she moved her family to Des Moines, to be closer to her sister Lynn and her children. There she met and fell in love with Andy Anderson, and they married in 1978. In Des Moines, Pat worked as a Supervisor at the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and then switched careers to co-own and manage two gift shops in Des Moines, the Gift Box and the Paper Box. She loved family gatherings, reading, drama, music, the arts, interior decorating, travel, politics and world affairs. In later years, she took up a pen and wrote a number of vivid essays and remembrances of childhood on the farm, her Norwegian immigrant descendants, the wartime years, and many other occasions in her event filled life.

She is survived by children Tim Thompson and Terri Thompson, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A burial service for family will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa, followed by a visitation in which all are welcome, from 2 to 4 p.m. Memorials preferred to charity. Cards may be sent to 1813 Girard Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403.