Viola M. Anderson

Viola M. (VandenBush) Anderson, 97, Oconto Falls, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2021, with family at her side. Viola was born April 4, 1924, to William Sr. and Rose (Wood) VandenBush.

Viola (Olee) lost her mother when she was 8 years old and so her father raised her and 13 siblings. She worked hard learning to sew, cook, clean and to always appreciate every moment of life.

Viola married Arnold W. Anderson on April 11, 1942, and they settled into their home in Swede Town, where they raised their eight children. She sewed, raised chickens, gardened, baked, canned meats and vegetables. Her large family always enjoyed her excellent meals.

Viola was a 4-H leader for many years and taught members her love for sewing and baking. She was also very involved in Fairest of the Fair for a number of years and with her love of painting she received ‘Best of Show’ at the Oconto County Fair in 1994 for an oil painting of a winter scene.

Olee learned to ride bike and swim after age 55. In 1993, at the tender age of 69, Viola directed the Senior Citizen Exercise Class in Oconto Falls. She enjoyed doing water aerobics, walking with the neighbors, bowling and making flower arrangements. She made homecoming, prom and wedding dresses, christening gowns, baby clothes and baby blankets, as well as a stuffed puppy for each grandchild. Olee will be fondly remembered for supplying her special dandelion wine for the Finnegan Lake Ice Fishing Derby for many years.

Her greatest joy were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She would say, “I’d have all my children all over again just to get my grandchildren.” Viola was compassionate and cared for many family members, friends and neighbors.

Viola is survived by her children, Arnold (Randae) Anderson Jr., Robert (Jenny) Anderson Sr., Sandra (Don) Pederson, Shirley (Dick) Murphy, Sharon Maaske, John Anderson, Janice (Mark) Trotter and Linnea Bonville; grandchildren, Sarah (George) Yee, Beth Jaime, Bobby Anderson, Melissa (Ryan) Leja, Christine (Troy) Poquette, Susan (Corey) Earl, Jolene (Jeff) Truckenbrod, Blake (Karri) Kozicki, Kyle Sturman, Drew Bonville, Brad Bonville and Craig (Suzie) Bonville; 23 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Merlin (Chet) Anderson; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Muggs) VandenBush, Alyce Ankerson, and Helen Anderson plus many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Arnold, grandchildren, Gary and David Pederson, Brett Maaske and Shari Anderson; son-in-law, Roger Murphy, four sisters, nine brothers, 10 brothers-in-law and nine sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held 3-7 p.m. Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. Visitation will continue after 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2021, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Oconto Falls until the time of service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday at the church with the Rev. Fr. Joel Sember officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls.

The family would like to thank those who made Mom’s care at the nursing home special and Bellin Hospital for their compassionate care during her last days.