LouElla Anderson

Velva

LouElla Anderson, 95, Velva, left this earthly realm Tuesday, at Souris Valley Care Center, Velva.

LouElla Hochsprung was born on March 27, 1930, a daughter of Fred and Synneva (Hauge) Hochsprung in Turtle Lake.

She was raised on the Hochsprung farm near Ruso and attended rural school before moving to Minot. LouElla graduated from Minot High in 1948. She earned her Standard Teaching Certificate and began teaching in rural one room schoolhouses near Strawberry Lake.

On Sept. 2, 1954, Lou was united in marriage to William Anderson in Ruso. They made their home south of Velva where they raised their three children.

They farmed, ranched, and were extremely involved in their community. William died May 11, 2001. Lou continued to live independently in their home until 2025.

Lou was an active member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva. She participated in the women’s group, taught Sunday school, and was the first female church council member. She served on the Bjornson Township board and became the first female McHenry County Commissioner.

Throughout the years she enjoyed farming, ranching, bowling, spending time with friends at Strawberry Lake and was a member of the Sew and Sew Club.

She enjoyed attending as many activities as possible with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was affectionately known by many in the Velva community as “Grandma Lou.”

LouElla is survived by her children: daughter, Anita (Willie) Schmidt; sons, Arvid Anderson and Armann (Joyce) Anderson; Eleven grandchildren: Kristofer, Justin, Austin, Amanda, David (Anita). Jocelyn, Perry, Lyle, MichÄ–ala (Arvid). Jonathan, Alysa (Armann); Thirty-one great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; one sister: Marlys (Roy); several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

LouElla was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; grandson, Grant Anderson; four of her siblings: Marjorie (Wallace), Albert (Doris), Theodore (Darlene), Robert (Maureen) and their spouses. Brother-in-law: Stanton, sister-in-law: Margie (Bill), numerous aunts and uncles, plus two nephews and a niece.

Visitation: Sunday, from 2-4 P.M. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva.

Funeral Service: Monday, June 16, 2025, at 11 A.M. at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.

Burial: Velva Community Cemetery. Velva, following the service

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Velva Ambulance.

Thompson- Larson Funeral Home, Velva.

Published in The Minot Daily News on June 13, 2025.