Irene H. Anderson, age 99, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2019, at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown. Pastor Jerod Jordan will officiate.
The family is requested to meet at the church by 10:00 a.m. for a prayer service. Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown, SD. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Irene's grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Active pallbearers will be Harlan Borns, Wes Teresiak, Adam Stonebarger, Dean Borns, Jimmy Roberts and Chris Evjen. Irene was born on March 14, 1920, near South Shore in Germantown Township to Emil and Ella (Redlin) Borns. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke's Lutheran Church and attended rural school. On June 9, 1940, Irene married Alvin Roberts in Twin Brooks, SD.
They made their home in Twin Brooks, South Shore and Watertown.
Alvin passed away on October 21, 1961. Irene continued to work for the Watertown School District in the lunch program and Minnesota Rubber for 14 years, retiring in 1986.
On April 26, 1986, Irene married Elmer Anderson in Watertown, SD. They made their home in Lake Norden for 16 years.
Following Elmer's death in 2000, Irene moved back to Watertown She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. She enjoyed working in her yard, shopping and spending time with her family. Having lived an inspiring life, not even an hour passing without a plan, Irene taught us what it means to live a full and meaningful life. At 99 years of age, she had more stamina and passion for life than anyone we've ever known. She embodied compassion, generosity, love, gentleness, as well as an unshakable strength, a deep sense of truth and always gave thoughtful advice. Her appreciation for togetherness and celebration has touched multiple generations. We have been given a light through her, an ability to decipher what matters most in this life. For her, it was family. She kept an open home. Whether you had good news to share or needed a shoulder to lean on, she always had a loving space to keep you safe. She was adored and respected by many. Irene will be longed for, cherished, and kept near in the making of our future memories. We are grateful to have had an angel walk amongst us.
Irene is survived by her four children: Harry (Virginia) Roberts, Diane Hanson, Rick Roberts and Dixie (Rod) Swoboda, all of Watertown, SD; 9 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.
Irene is preceded in death by both husbands, Alvin and Elmer; her parents Emil and Ella; two brothers and two sisters.
Service Details.
Visitation
When: October 24, 2019 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel
Address: 208 3rd St SW De Smet SD SD 57231
Service
When: October 25, 2019 10:30am
Location: Grace Lutheran Church
Address: 202 2nd Street Southeast Watertown, SD 57201
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