Lillian Irene Anderson

Lillian Irene Anderson, 93 of Alexandria passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria, surrounded by loved ones of her family after a long and well-lived life.

Lillian was born on September 10, 1932, in Noonan, ND to William & Rena (Hagen) Harbig of rural McGregor, ND. She was baptized, confirmed and attended school in rural Divide County.

In 1951, she moved to Alexandria with her mother. While working at Woolworth’s, a coworker introduced her to Harold Anderson in 1952. Harold was home on furlough from the Army having just returned from Korea. They were married on June 17, 1953 in Alexandria.

They remained in Alexandria where they started their family, here they were blessed with two sons, Stanley and Ross. In 1960, the family moved Grand Rapids, MN, where a daughter, Kelly, joined the family. They moved back to Alexandria in 1965.

Once all the kids were in school, Lillian decided to work outside of the home again. Her first job was at Sandy’s restaurant which later became Hardee’s. She also worked at Taco Villa, and The Alteration Shop. However, her favorite job was as a nursing assistant at Bethany Home. She worked there for 14 years until her retirement. It was at this role that her caring personality was able to thrive, as she always put others first and provided all the residents with the care and respect they deserved.

She will be remembered for many things, but most importantly her profound faith in God, and her compassion and caring personality. She was a strong, independent woman who rarely asked for help herself, yet was always the first to lend a helping hand to others. And of course, she will be remembered for her smile and sense of humor.

In her spare time, she enjoyed being creative. While Harold was still living, they worked together making many beautiful wooden treasures. She was very talented at sewing, crocheting, and knitting. However, her creative talents did not end there as she was always learning new skills. Ceramics, Hardanger, rosemaling, and making porcelain dolls are just a few of her many interests. She made countless treasures for family members and friends over the years. She also enjoyed her Red Hats group and playing cards with friends and visiting with people.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold in 2013; all of her siblings: Albert, Alma, Esther, Clara, Reuben, Melvin, Johnny, Ruth; infant brothers, Henry Rudolph and Henry Oliver; her son Stanley in 2004; her son Ross in 2023; and an infant great-great granddaughter, Scarlett Rose in 2025.

She is survived by her daughter, Kelly (Douglas) Wald; two daughters-in-law, Deborah Anderson and Roxane Anderson; five grandchildren: Jeremiah (Marcy) Anderson, Justin Anderson, Cassandra (Aaron) Stubbs, Brittany Anderson and Hunter Wald; five great-grandchildren: Taylor Schultz, Kayla Anderson; Zander Stubbs, Maverick Stubbs, Uriah Stubbs; and one great-great-grandson, Julian Nelson.

Funeral services for Lillian will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. A public visitation will take place from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery following a funeral luncheon at the church.