Carolyn Anderson

Carolyn went to live with God on November 14, 2020, peacefully surrounded by family and friends by her side at home in River Falls, WI. Born in Minneapolis, MN, she grew up in Wayzata, MN, and later moved to Minneapolis and graduated from North High School in 1956. She was whisked off her feet by the love of her life Ronald Anderson and they married on November 16, 1956. Carolyn’s dream in life was to be a mother and she did it with love, acceptance, and adventures at every turn. After raising her four children, she became a Realtor and won many awards for sales.

In 2000 after retiring, they moved to  Palm Springs, CA and kept a residence in Minneapolis, MN. After her husband Ron passed in 2004 she met Bruce Monson who became her new dance partner in life. She moved to River Falls, WI in 2014 to be closer to her family.  She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, golf, campfires, horses, dancing, as well as travel.  No matter what she did in life she excelled and put her whole heart into it. Honestly, if it was fun, Carolyn loved it and wanted to join in.  Everything about Carolyn was bright; her blue eyes and welcoming smile made everyone feel welcome and that they were her best friend. She was a ray of sunshine and made our world a sweeter and more loving place. Her hopes for those around her was:  don’t take life too seriously, take time to smell the roses, enjoy the sun, and celebrate her life when she is gone.  She loved life and God and will be missed immensely.

Carolyn is survived by her loving children, Dean (Barb) Anderson, Lynn Anderson, Dave Anderson, Julie (Curt) Bruns; 5 grandchildren: Derek Anderson, Brad Anderson, Sean Sporrer, Lexi Bruns & Jack Bruns; as well as her 5 cherished great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her special someone, Bruce Monson of Palm Desert, CA; sister-in-law, Karen (John) Scheibe; along with her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Pearl Hettle, as well as her brother, Robert Hettle of Minneapolis.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 211 E Division St., River Falls, with Rev. Fr. Jerry Harris officiating.   A Gathering of Family and Friends (with strict social distancing and masks required) will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church.  Private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.  In consideration of the ongoing pandemic, a celebration of Carolyn’s life will also take place summer of 2021 in River Falls.

The funeral Mass will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/saintbridget

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644.  www.oconnellfuneralservices.com