Donna Anderson died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on September 28, 2021. She battled dementia for several years and suffered a stroke on September 21, 2021.
Donna was the only child of Melvin and Clara Madsen; she was born on July 1, 1937, in Missoula, Montana. Donna was baptized October 3, 1937, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bonner, Montana. Her parents instilled a lifelong pride in her Montanan, Norwegian, and Lutheran heritages.
She began piano lessons at a young age and soon excelled. Her first “gigs” included playing for church and, at age 14, she played for a wedding. Donna attended Bonner grade school before attending high school in Missoula.
A new pastor came to the Bonner church in December of 1953 and that Christmas, Donna met the new pastor’s son, Lowell Anderson. After Donna graduated from high school in 1955 and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota (majoring in Pipe Organ), she married Lowell on July 31, 1958, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Missoula. They recently celebrated 63 years of marriage.
In 1958, Lowell Anderson was ordained as a Lutheran minister. Lowell and Donna served congregations in Ray and Rainbow Valley (North Dakota) from August 1958 – December 1962. They moved to Havre, Montana, and began a mission church, Messiah Lutheran Church where they served from December 1962 – August 1975. Donna and Lowell also helped facilitate the gathering of the Greek Orthodox worshipping community at Messiah Lutheran. They served Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Helena from August 1975 – November 1995. After retirement, Lowell and Donna became members of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Donna served as organist at Messiah Lutheran and Our Redeemer’s Lutheran. She also directed the children’s choir at Messiah Lutheran and served as senior choir accompanist at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran. Donna was involved in creating Chrismon decorations (ornaments based on Greek letters that stood for Jesus and Christ) for the Christmas tree at Messiah Lutheran and worked on the Chrismon tree at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran. She also had a Chrismon collection she proudly displayed on the Christmas tree at home.
Donna’s passions included needlepoint, cross-stitch, and Hardanger (Norwegian embroidery). She also enjoyed capturing memories and creating photo albums of treasured times spent with family and friends. Most of all, she loved being a wife, mother, and grandma.
Donna became a resident of Touchmark in December 2018. She enjoyed her time with the residents and care providers. She and Lowell attended communion services provided by St. John’s Lutheran and Our Redeemer’s Lutheran.
Donna and Lowell were graced and survived by family members: two children – daughter Kristi (Kevin) Skaalure; son Karsten (Emily and daughter Gabby). Their four grandchildren are the light of their lives: granddaughter, Rachel Skaalure, and grandsons: Per, Hans, and Lars Anderson (and their mom, Laurie Anderson). Donna is also survived by cousins as well as a niece and nephew.
The family appreciates the tender and loving care provided to Donna by the staff and caregivers at Touchmark and in her final week, the providers of Encompass Hospice.
Memorials may be given in Donna’s memory to:
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 8985 Highway 200 South, Bonner, MT 59823
St. John’s Lutheran Church at 1000 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church at 3580 North Benton Avenue, Helena, MT 59602
Montana Hope Project at P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604
Or donor’s choice
Services will be held in the summer of 2022 with a Celebration of Life Service in Helena and graveside services in Missoula.
Even though her memory faded, Donna would say to the staff at Touchmark and any visitors, “I’m Donna from Bonner, Montana. I love you!” Blessed be the memory of Donna Anderson.
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family of to share a memory of Donna.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Lynn Zanto says
Love and prayers to Donna’s family. Loved visiting with her during my visits to sapphire. She’s one of my favorites and an angel now.
Lynn (Antonietti) Zanto and Kay
Marquis Bade says
Really glad i could make Donna’s last few nights as easy and pain free as possible, she was a wonderful person to talk to and i will miss her dearly here at touchmark
Shirley Bentzen Reese says
I’m so sorry to learn of Donna’s passing. Heartfelt sympathy to all the family. Donna was such a beautiful lady, inside and out, with a smile that lit up the room. Heaven has gained an awesome angel. Prayers for all.
Jeff and Melissa Sherlock says
So sorry to hear of Donna’s death. Have not seen her for a bit, but used to run into her walking on LaGrand almost every day. She was always happy and cheerful; my dogs, who are great judges of character, always enjoyed seeing her, as did I. Peace to her family.
Jan and Jim Anderson says
Pastor Lowell and family. Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Donna’s death
She was a beautiful and talented lady and will be missed by so many. Our prayers are with you all during this time. May God bless you and keep you on His loving care!
David and Sheila Harvey says
Lowell and family, the birds are singing louder today, songs of celebration , composed by God especially for Donna’s arrival. A magnificent piano awaits her fingers. Although it’s been awhile since we’ve had our conversations and laughs at the “Anderson window”, I will always remember them with love and admiration for such a beautiful person. With your mind and body renewed in heaven we will miss you here on earth. We love you
GEORGE LOUKAS says
So sorry to hear the news of Donna. I have memories of us gathering and celebrating…almost anything and everything. The Andersons are my childhood neighborhood parents.
the Moser family says
Love and our heartfelt condolences to Lowell and the Skaalure and Anderson families. Donna was such a warm and shining light for our boys, Kai and Dane, when we first joined St. John’s. She made our whole family feel welcome, we loved seeing her and visiting with her on Sunday mornings. Her smiles, and humor and warmth were such gifts to us. Sending love and peace to all of you
Amy Smiedala says
Love and prayers for you Pastor Lowell, Kristi, Kevin, Rachel and Anderson family. Donna was a ray of sunshine and very special to so many, especially the Smiedala girls. We all looked forward to seeing her every Sunday. Her love and gentle kindness also shines through you Kristi, in all that you do. She will be missed and we’re glad she is has been welcomed peacefully in heaven where her memories may return and she can lovingly watch over you every day.
Hugs to you all.
Erin Helbling says
I am so glad I had the chance to get to know Donna and the family during some of her final years. She always had a beautiful smile to share with everyone. I know she will be missed! Praying for your family
Delores Rosin says
Pastor Lowell & family…..I was saddened to read of Donna’s passing. I treasure wonderful memories of our special times together at ORLC.
She was so easy to love. God bless you all with His love & bring you strength & comfort during these difficult days. Peace, Delores Rosin
Vicky Dritsoulas says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson family during this difficult time.
Love and hugs,
The Dritsoulas family
Ken Abrahamson's says
Condolences to the Anderson Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of your Wife, Mother, Grandmother and other family members.
The Ken Abrahamson’s (Gary’s parents)
Howard E Haines says
I will miss her in Sapphire. My prayers for you and the family. God bless
Jeff Beck says
Pastor Lowell and the Anderson Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Donna was a wonderful woman and will be truly missed. God has gained another angel and she will watch over you and keep you all safe. God Bless.
Hannah Anders says
To the family of Donna Anderson: We were so blessed to have known your mother through Our Redeemer Lutheran church, and the gifts she shared including playing the organ, her Norwegian embroidery and her gift of hospitality. You all will be in our prayers.
Verna, Pam and Paula Strand
Kathie says
Lowell,
I just walked by your house and thought about you and Donna and the many times the kids and I met you as we walked to Hawthorne school. In addition, to the times we greeted each other at other times, especially when walking the dogs. Love and prayers.. Kathie and the Hawthorne kids