Death gives urgency to Walk to Defeat ALS

by Dennis Dalman

editor@thenewsleaders.com

Loved ones of Patricia A. Anderson are more determined than ever to raise funds against the disease that brought an end to her life Sept. 2.

The Rice woman, 61, who had been stricken by ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), died at her home surrounded by family members.

Anderson’s spirit and memory will be very much alive during the Walk to Defeat ALS at Lake George in St. Cloud. The annual event, which raises funds to fight ALS and to help its victims, is set to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

The Newsleader recently published a feature story about ALS and how Anderson and so many relations battled it and died of it – some of them as young as their early 40s and one of them in her late 20s.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Walk to Defeat ALS at Lake George – to cheer on the walkers along their two-mile trek or to contribute money to a good cause. Anderson herself, even after she became ill, was a gung-ho member of her family’s annual walking team, dubbed “Claudes Celebrating Life,” Claude being Anderson’s maiden name.

In Anderson’s case, as well as nearly a dozen of her close-blood relatives, ALS had a strong genetic factor. Among those who died of the disease were Anderson’s sister, Carol Interrieden, and Carol’s daughter, Katie Interrieden, both of Rice. Katie was only 27 when she died.

Farewell

More than 300 people packed Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Rice for Anderson’s funeral Sept. 5.

Fr. Thomas Becker, who officiated, gave a warm tribute to Anderson, describing her as strong-willed, wise, funny, caring, giving and a loving woman with a strong faith in God who liked nothing better than to be with her family, enjoy her grandchildren and relish their big Sunday family dinners.

Born in Sauk Centre, Anderson graduated from Sauk Rapids High School and worked at many places during her life, but the job she loved and most excelled at was as a surgical-instrument specialist, an area in which she developed great expertise. She worked at St. Cloud Hospital for more than 30 years. She also accompanied doctors and surgeons many times during voluntary HELPS International trips to help the people of Guatemala.

Anderson was an energetic, fun-loving woman who put family and friends above all else. She also loved to read, bowl, golf, play softball, play cards, go camping, travel and watch Twins and Vikings games.

She and her husband, Einar, had seven children, all of which are living except son Edwin. The Andersons lived in Rice, not far from Little Rock Lake, for 46 years.