JOAN LOUISE ANDERSON

1931 - 2025

Joan Anderson (née Johnson), 94, of Cromwell, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Villa Court Senior Living in Cromwell.

Joan was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, to Oscar and Gernell Johnson. She grew up in the Duluth Heights neighborhood, not far from the home of the Martha and Evert Anderson family. As a child, she formed a close friendship with the Anderson children and soon noticed the charm of Richard (Dick) Anderson. During their courtship, Dick’s sisters often accompanied them on dates, adding to the fun of their budding romance.

Joan attended Duluth Central High School, where she excelled academically. She briefly took college classes at the University before beginning her career as a medical stenographer for a Duluth pediatrician. She truly enjoyed her work, especially her time with the children and the valuable lessons she learned from the doctor.

At the age of 19, Joan married her sweetheart, Richard, and they began their life together on the Anderson family farm at Swede Lake in Cromwell. Joan quickly adapted to farm life, milking cows, driving tractors, and mastering the automatic hay baler—never missing a bale as it landed in the wagon.

The Andersons raised their four children on the farm, with a brief return to Duluth before settling permanently in Cromwell. After their youngest child left for college, Joan and Richard sold the farm to their eldest son and embarked on a new adventure by operating Island Lake Campground. They greatly enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life during the summer months, forming lasting friendships and cherished memories.

During the winter, Joan and Richard traveled to Yuma, Arizona, where they spent time with snowbird friends and family. These winter months became a treasured part of their lives.

Joan also served her community by working at the forestry office and later as a teller at the local Credit Union.

Family was always at the heart of Joan’s life. She treasured time spent with her ever-growing family, which includes many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild. Joan’s life was a testament to hard work, love, faith and devotion to family.

Special thanks to the Villa Vista and St. Croix Hospice for their endless love, support and kindness to Joan and our family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kaleb Anderson Memorial Fund or Bethany Lutheran Church, Cromwell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, Oscar and Gernell Johnson; sisters-in-law, Joann, Donna (Ray), and Mary (Ed); and a great-grandson, Kaleb.

She is survived by her sons, Guy (LeeAnn) and Kenny (Deb); daughters, Mary Bridge (special friend, Duane) and Penny (Ken) Blankenship; and brother-in-law, Bill Simpson. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 5609 MN-210, Cromwell, MN 55726 with Visitation one hour prior. 

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.