GRAMPA ANDERSON PASSES OVER THE RIVER AT THE RIPE OLD AGE OF X

We bent today over the coffined form,
And our tears fell softly down,
We looked down upon the aged face,
With it’s look of peace, it’s patient grace,
And hair like a silver crown.

Again it is the painful duty to chronicle the passing of another of Vadnais Heights old and respected citizens, this time that of Alan Wendell Anderson.
Alan was born of the union of Arthur Anderson and Helga Wendell on September 18, 1928 and grew up on the East Side of St. Paul to later become a pharmacist and for a short timed owned a drug store on Payne Avenue. After that was employed by Snyder Bros Drugs until retirement at age 75 and later enjoyed xx years with 4th wife, dear Marianne.

Alan was preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Helga , son William , first wife Florence and cocker spaniel Skippy. Survived by second wife Marianne, third wife Jeanette and fourth wife Marianne (same person as second), six children, Del, Jane, Mary, Barbara, Jill and Lora, also sister Doris? and brother Neal?. There are also sixteen grand children and three great grand children.

Despite being diabetic since age 15 he has enjoyed good health until (date) and tipped over (date) due to xxxxx(to be determined).

Death came at xx o’clock AM/PM when the glow of the evening/morning sunset/sunrise tinted the western/eastern skies. Surely a fitting time for a spirit to take it’s flight heavenward.

With the eye of faith one could see at the close of this bleak (month) day an invisible hand beckon and a voice in softest accent on the evening breeze, announce that the pearly gates were open, God's angels were waiting to escort him in.

Impressive funeral services were held from Gustavus Adolphus Church (day) at (time) o'clock, the last words being spoken by the Reverand (whoever) following which came the slow sad journey to the silent city of the dead.

Always kind, chearful and considerate under all circumstances-- he seemed born to inspire the love and respect of all who were so fortunate to be aquainted with him.

No one was more willing to aid the suffering, cheer the desponding, assist the failing, sustain the weak and to throw over the frailties of our race the Christian charity. When sickness, suffering and death came to him, as it comes to all, neighbors and friends vied with each other in acts of kindness--loving kindness and tender solitude, and many were the willng hands and hearts ready to assist those upon whom rested the heavy responsibility of attempting to fight back the ravage of illness--to avert the inevitible-- and in whom were united the devotion of a friend, the untiring skill and watchful care of a concientious, painstakeing physician, but love and skill were of no avail owing to the advanced age. The destroyer had placed his sign on his brow, and today hundreds who had loved him living are now mourning his dead.

To him the struggles and burden bearings on this earth are ended.

The floral offerings were profuse and their beauty grand, being mostly pink--that being the favourite colour of Grampa Anderson.

He is gone! Another name is stricken from the ever lessening roll of our old folks, but it must be so. Those tender humanities cannot be separated without a pang. Yet in such a death there is no cause for grief--his work was done, well done. Few of us will live as long and as well, and fewer yet will the Angel of Death greet with such a loving touch.

Tender sympathies are extended to those that suffer his loss.