Myrna Ardis (Olson) Anderson
July 15, 1935 ~ June 20, 2015
Myrna A. (Olson) Anderson, 79, Sioux Falls, died Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Bethany Home, Brandon.
Family visitation will be 5-7pm, Monday, June 22, 2015, at the Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church, Brandon, SD, with a short service at 6:30pm. A Celebration of Life for Myrna will be 11:00am, Tuesday, June 23, also at the Spirit of Truth Church, 112 E. Annabelle St., Brandon . Inurnment will be at Beaver Valley Lutheran Cemetery.
Myrna A. Olson was born July 15, 1935, in Dubuque, IA, to Ernest and Ardis (Thompson) Olson. At the age of ten, her family moved to Omaha where she finished high school. She then attended the University of Nebraska until she married her husband of 59 years, Dr. Courtney W. Anderson. The couple moved to Chicago where Courtney was attending medical school at Northwestern. Upon his completion, the family moved back to SD to live. Myrna became active in 7th District and the South Dakota Medical Alliance. Myrna was active in the Republican Party and managed successful State House campaigns for her mother-in-law. Myrna was co-owner and manager of five book stores over the course of 20 years. In 1975, Courtney began a full-time military career and the couple moved their family to Washington, D.C. Myrna was a very supportive wife and mother at each base they were stationed. In 1981, they returned to South Dakota where Myrna obtained a Real Estate Sales/Broker’s license and began to manage the family’s residential and commercial holdings.
Over the span of her career, Myrna was an active board member of the SD Make A Wish Foundation, the Sioux Falls Salvation Army, and the Great Plains Zoo and Natural History Museum. Throughout her life, Myrna wrote and illustrated a number of brochures for her husband’s medical practice and assisted in the publication of The Bethany Cookbook.
Over the last twenty-five years, Myrna and Courtney divided their time between Arizona and South Dakota. In each location, Myrna’s enthusiasm for her faith and the Word of God kept her actively involved in personal, family, and community bible studies.
She will be deeply missed by her husband, Courtney W. Anderson, MD; four children, Alison (Scott) Ecklund, Brandon, Ardie (Steven) Halvorsen, Aberdeen, Clay (Andi) Anderson, Sioux Falls, and Courtney E. (Kathy) Anderson, Sioux Falls; eleven grandchildren, Ashleigh (Jeremy) Roemen, Erika (Mike) Boen, Scott A. Ecklund, Court Ecklund, Brittany (Joey) Latsha, Brooke (Kyle) Cosand, Alex Anderson, Kate Anderson, Anna Anderson, Tommy Anderson, and Court Anderson; eight great-grandchildren, Ridley, Quinn, Brekken, Seyler, Della, baby Boen, Easton, and Callie; one sister, Karen (Tom) Gensler, Omaha, NE; seven nieces and nephews; and many other loving family members..
Myrna was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Sioux Falls Salvation Army in Myrna’s name.
Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with your family.
Myrna was a very special and loving woman. She will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with Myrna’s family. I am unable to come to the memorial service or the funeral since I am out of town for work, however my heartfelt sympathies are with you. Myrna’s joyous personality is now being shared in the heavens above. Kerry Ford
Dear Scott and Alison,
We are saddened to learn of the passing of your mom. She was a great lady with a big heart to help others. Our thoughts are with you now and in the days to come. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jim and Carol
Alison , Ardie, Clay & Courtney Sr. & Jr.& Family: It was a fluke I ran across this and I am so glad I did to offer condolences. My heart sank when I saw this. Your mom was a great lady and an inspiration to me growing up as your mom and my Sunday School Teacher. She was always so much fun and full of laughter & joy. I feel your pain as my mom passed away 10/7/14 at the age of 93 and my mother-in-law passed on 6/4/15. Your mother left this earth much too young but now as we know she is rejoicing in Heaven with our Lord and Savior and with loved ones that have passed before her. You and your family are in our prayers now and always! Cindy Haugen Peters & Family