Gloria Faye Anderson

Gloria Faye Anderson, 88, died peacefully on March 15, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Gloria was born on April 24, 1935, to John C. and Tillie Hammer in Duluth, MN. She grew up in West Duluth where she attended Merritt Elementary, West Junior and graduated valedictorian from Denfeld High School in 1953. Her talents and interests included playing the French horn and singing in school and church choirs where she was a member for over seventy years.

Gloria married Gerald (Jerry) L. Anderson on June 29, 1957, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. She and Jerry built their dream home in Piedmont Heights where they raised their family and resided for 63 years. Gloria’s secretarial career included positions at US Steel and at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s administration and athletic offices, retiring from the Natural Resources Research Institute.

Gloria and Jerry enjoyed spending time with their many friends here in Duluth and at their retirement home in Sarasota, FL. Gloria was a Championship Flight golfer and holds the trophy for the only-immediate family hole-in-one (per Jerry, not a big deal).  Gloria had haute couture style (her grandchildren called her a fashionista) and she loved to shop to her heart’s content.

Gloria’s greatest gifts were her abiding faith with her Savior, Jesus Christ and her unwavering love for her family. She has now found eternal peace in heaven.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Marilyn Reed and brother-in-law Herb Meckola. 

She is survived by her loving husband Jerry, sister Joan Meckola, daughters Lori (Dan) Kirby, Jody (Scott) Kolquist and Susan (Dean) Benson, cherished grandchildren Christen (Jake) Carter, Meghan (Dan) Klein, Katy (Nick) Andreas, Aaron (Kenzie) Kolquist, Jillian Kolquist, Lindsay (Dominic) Rosati, Christopher (Delaney) Benson and Natalia Benson, great-grandchildren Natalie, Abigail and Bennett Carter, Peyton, Parker and Carter Klein, Elsie and Lila Andreas, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church, 5007 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown, with an 11:00 AM service and luncheon following. A private family interment at Oneota Cemetery will follow the luncheon.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Gloria’s caregivers and prayerful friends and relatives. If moved to do so, donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the choir fund at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church, Hermantown.

Funeral arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home.