Laurel Anderson

Visitation Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Funeral Date: Wednesday, July 17th, 2019
Funeral Time: 1:30 pm
Place of Funeral: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
Funeral Notes: Family and friends are invited to gather at church for visitation from 12:30 -1:30 p.m.
Interment: Burial Private

Laurel Helen Anderson
A Celebration of Life

Laurel Helen Anderson was born on July 27, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to Donald and Elizabeth (Olsen) MacDonald. She was the oldest of two children and is survived by her brother George MacDonald (Kwicha).

Laurel grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She was baptized into the Christian faith as an infant at Tabor Lutheran Church and was also confirmed there. She was a graduate of Amundsen High School where she established many close friendships. She maintained those relationships throughout the years and regularly organized reunions and luncheons for the group of friends over the past 70 years.

Three months after high school graduation, Laurel married Robert “Bob” Anderson on September 29, 1956, at Tabor Lutheran Church. Immediately after, Bob whisked her off for a romantic honeymoon bow hunting in Wisconsin (she should have known then). From the very beginning their marriage was an adventure. Bob put Laurel in charge of finding their first apartment which provided a beautiful view of a brick wall. While Laurel developed her cooking skills during their marriage, for the first year they became lovers of macaroni and cheese and black olives (since that was the only thing she knew how to make). They were happily married for 62 years.

On June 24, 1958, Bob and Laurel welcomed their daughter Katherine (Michael). In 1961 they saved up enough money to purchase their home in Wheeling, where they happily resided until this past year when they moved to Friendship Village in Schaumburg. When they moved into their Wheeling home, Laurel was seven months pregnant with their son Donald (Susan), who they welcomed into the world on November 19, 1961. It was then that Bob and Laurel became members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. They have remained members ever since. Laurel was the grandmother of Patrick (Staci) Anderson, Kristen Anderson, Emma Williams, and great grandmother to Harper and Maxton Anderson. She was Aunt Laurie to many and a friend to all.

Laurel was active in many community initiatives including the saving of Chevy Chase Country Club, an advocate for sound limitations at Palwaukee airport, as well as multiple other social issues. She served as a treasurer of the Disabled American Veterans, Salt Creek Chapter #93, for many years. She served alongside Bob, providing numerous celebrations and parties for the veterans at Hines VA Hospital. Laurel worked for Muntz TV, R & D Thiel Construction Company and the Water Reclamation District as bookkeeper and secretary. Laurel retired at the age of 49. In retirement she and Bob visited family and friends as far away as the Isle of Man and Canada. However, their travels mostly consisted of visiting Kathy and her family in Colorado, New Jersey, Connecticut and Arizona. Laurel’s hobbies included crocheting, gardening, keeping in contact with family and friends via phone and email, and reading to the children at Sonshine Preschool at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Laurel hosted many family reunions and parties, all of which were documented through numerous photos. Thanks to her never being without her camera we are now able to relive those moments.

Almost 20 years ago, Laurel was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera which required minimal treatment and remained under control. Laurel was blessed to have many years unaffected by her diagnosis until recently when the bone marrow disease evolved into a condition similar to Leukemia. In his mercy, God called Laurel home prior to any extended suffering or pain.

On July 11, 2019 while at Alexian Brother’s Hospital in Elk Grove Village, and with family members by her side, Laurel was called to heaven with her savior Jesus Christ at the age of 80 years, 11 months, and 16 days. We mourn her death, yet we are grateful that she is with Jesus. We also trust in Jesus’ resurrection promise to us that those who believe in Him will meet again in heaven, and we look forward to when we will see Mom again.

“In God We Trust”