Katherine Fansler Anderson was born July 9, 1921, to Edward and Lida (Engstrom) Rusk. She was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Methodist Church in Deer Park, Wisconsin. She was a lifetime member of that church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, and U.M.W. President.
She graduated from New Richmond High School at the age of sixteen as valedictorian of her class. She attended River Falls State College on a scholarship and graduated with a two year teaching degree. From 1940-1943 she taught at the Meadowdale School in rural New Richmond.
In 1942 Katherine married Douglas Fansler and to this union three children were born. In 1957 she returned to college at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She graduated with special honors from there in 1963. She taught at Clear Lake Elementary School from 1957-1984. She was a member of an advisory council to the education department at River Falls University. She trained many student teachers from UW-River Falls and from Polk County Normal.
Her husband Douglas died in 1984.
In 1987 she married Raymond E. Anderson. He died in 1989.
Katherine is preceded in death by her two husbands, her parents, three brothers, Ken, Floyd, and Dale; and two sisters, Dorothy and Carmen.
She leaves behind two sons, Donald (Mickey) of Deer Park, Wisconsin and Duane (Stephanie) of Balsam Lake, Wisconsin; one daughter, Diane Fansler of Edina, Minnesota; two step-sons: Raymond P. (Myrna) Anderson of New Richmond, Wisconsin, and Charles (Phyllis) Anderson of Star Prairie, Wisconsin; one step-daughter, Audrey (Larry) DeTar of Deer Park, Wisconsin; 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren and 9 step great grandchildren.
Also left to mourn is her sister Bernice Weber of Woodbury, Minnesota; nieces and nephews, as well as many other loving relatives, friends and former students.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Deer Park, Wisconsin with Pastor Jayneann Gagner officiating. Pallbearers are her grandchildren. Organist will be Joyce Petersen.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at the Williamson-White Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment at Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park. Arrangements were made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery. Condolences may be left online at www.williamsonwhite.com.
(Amery Free Press - Tuesday, September 7, 2010)
