Marjorie A. Anderson

Marjorie A. Anderson, 83, of Clifford, ND, died Monday, February 21, 2011 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. Marjorie was born January 4, 1928 to Alvin and Annie (Haugan) Olstad of Galesburg, ND. She was baptized and confirmed at Elm River Lutheran Church, Galesburg. Marjorie graduated from Galesburg High School and Concordia College with a degree in English and Music Education. She taught in the Clifford, Erie and Page school districts and continued voice coaching throughout her life. Marjorie was an accomplished organist, beginning at age 12 at Elm River Lutheran Church. She provided musical accompaniment for countless weddings, funerals and musical events throughout area communities. Marjorie was a church choir director and took great pride in coaching and accompanying her voice students at district and state music contests. Marjorie’s passions included knitting, crocheting, traveling with Gordon, annual trips to Hawaii, Christmas cantata performances, and following the lives of her grandchildren. She was a proud member of Concordia’s C400 Club and her area AAUW. Marjorie married Gordon Anderson of Hunter, ND on August 5, 1950. They farmed in the Clifford area all of their lives. Gordon passed away on May 17, 1999. Marjorie is survived by her children, Deborah (Lynn) Holbrook of Grand Forks, ND, Mary (Dan) Abramowski of Buffalo, MN, John (Rilla) Anderson of Clifford, and Shelley Jilek of Marion, IA; grandchildren, Ben (Andrea), Sarah and Christopher Holbrook; Derek, Brad and Tony Abramowski; Joshua (Bethany) and Thomas Anderson; Katie (Luke) Erickson; and Amanda and Lauren Jilek; great-grandchildren, Trace Anderson and Mason and Owen Holbrook; siblings, John (Elvira) Olstad of Hope, ND, Jim (Sherri) Olstad of Fargo, ND, and Sandra (Barry) Kutzer of Fargo, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gordon, son-in-law, DuWayne Jilek, and granddaughter, Megan Abramowski. If desired, memorials may be designated for Hospice of the Red River Valley or Concordia C400. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, February 25, 2011 at Elm River Lutheran Church, Galesburg, ND. Visitation: Will be from 5-7 PM, Thursday, February 24, 2011, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Elm River Lutheran Church, Galesburg, ND and will resume one hour prior to the funeral service, at the church. Burial: Clifford Cemetery, Clifford, ND.