Elsie Anderson

Elsie Anderson, 92, of Grand Forks, ND, died on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Altru Hospital, surrounded by her family after a short illness.

She was born June 29, 1933, in Tabor, MN, the daughter of George and Mary (Botko) Palya. She grew up in Tabor, MN, graduated from Warren High School, and attended Aakers Business College.

She married Norris Anderson on June 23, 1956, at Holy Trinity Church, Tabor, MN. They made their home in Grand Forks, ND, raising two sons, Dean and Darren.

Family, faith, and community were at the heart of Elsie’s life. She was a devoted and active member of United Lutheran Church, where she and her husband faithfully served as ushers and greeters for many years. Elsie generously volunteered her time at weddings, funerals, and other church events, she especially treasured her involvement with the United Lutheran Quilters. She was also active in DAV, VFW, and American Legion Auxiliaries.

Elsie had a special gift for gardening and lovingly tended both flower and vegetable gardens. Her beautiful flowers were admired by many. She also had a sweet tooth and especially enjoyed a good hot fudge sundae from Dairy Queen.

Above all, Elsie cherished time spent with her family. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their families’ pets brought her immense joy, and she delighted in every moment she shared with them.

In 2023, Elsie moved to Edgewood Assisted Living, where she enjoyed visiting with fellow residents, making crafts, and watching movies in the theater. Her family is deeply grateful to the staff for the kindness, care, and compassion they showed her during her time there. They treated her like family, which meant so much to all of us.

Elsie is survived by her sons Dean (Linda) Anderson, Grand Forks, ND, and Darren (Sheri) Anderson, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Travis Anderson, Nicole (Tony) Jurkic, Kaitlyn (Patrick) O’Connor, and Abigail Anderson; great-grandchildren, Luka & Alexander Jurkic; and sister Ann Kmecik.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norris, parents, sisters Mary Ganyo and Helen Hughes, and brothers George and Roy Palya.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be given to United Lutheran Church or Altru Cancer Center.

Funeral services: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at United Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation: 1 hour prior to the memorial service at the church.

Interment: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks.