Helvi Ellen Marie Anderson

Helvi Ellen Marie (Staudinger) Anderson went to be with the Lord on September 18, 2015.  She is reunited with her husband of 60 years, Arnold, who passed away Dec 10, 2001.  Helvi was born on Sept 10, 1916, in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada.  She spent her early years on the farm and caring for her invalid mother who'd been injured in a car accident.  She married Arnold Anderson on July 12, 1941, in Sylvan Lake.  In Sept they came to Esko, MN, where her newly ordained husband accepted a call to serve as pastor at the Apostolic Lutheran Church. In 1943 they started a radio ministry in both Finnish & English languages which continued for 51 years, eventually broadcasting from 12 stations.  Helvi enjoyed correspondence, writing hand-written letters, with the listeners for over 50 years.  She authored a book, "Our Heritage of Truth" in 1974.  She also enjoyed writing poetry, had a gift for hospitality, enjoyed sewing, making rugs on a loom, cooking and reading.  When the internet became available to her, she was thrilled to communicate regularly with family in Canada and Finland. Helvi & Arnold established the Lutheran Publishing House at Esko and printed catechisms, song books, hymnals and a monthly radio paper.  Helvi often contributed articles for this paper.  In 1958 they moved to Duluth; the Golden Hour Ev. Assn purchased Olcott Hall from the Univ. of MN and it became the home office of their ministry, where they resided for 32 years with their five children.  When her children started leaving the nest, Helvi cared for 17 foster children and later moved to caring for adults.  She volunteered to take those no one else was willing to take in. She operated the certified Board / Care Home for over 11 years.  In 1981 they acquired a resort on Big Grand Lake which they both enjoyed maintaining.  In 1989 they sold Olcott Hall and moved to their retirement home in the country.  Due to failing health they moved back to the city eight years later.  After Arnold's passing, Helvi moved to Apple Valley, MN. Helvi was preceded in death by her husband Arnold, an infant daughter,  two grandsons, Jon and Jason Anderson of Stoughton, WI, three brothers and a sister in Alberta.  She is survived by her children, Darrell Anderson (Brenda) of Lebanon OK, Sharon Finn (William) of Fond du Lac, WI, David Anderson (Claudia) of Stoughton, WI, Saundra Singh (Donald) of Apple Valley, MN, and Daniel Anderson (Maureen) of Lanesboro, MN.  Also 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a sister, Hedvi McCallum, of Alberta, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at the Apostolic Lutheran Church, 25 Church Rd, Esko, MN. from 1:30-3:00 on October 3, 2015.  Pastor Gary Kangas will officiate.  Service is at 3:00 p.m.. Burial will take place following the service with remains laid to rest at the Apostolic Lutheran Church Cemetery.  The Sunrise Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials may be directed to the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Esko .

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