Emily Anderson

Emily C. Anderson, 86, of Rochester, MN passed away on December 23, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester.

Emily was born on December 31, 1937, in Newton, IA to Carl B. and Emma (Kiesel) Hennings. She attended school in Newton, IA. She earned her nursing degree from the Methodist-Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, MN. Emily completed her education at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education. She worked at hospitals in Newton, IA, University of Minnesota, Methodist-Kahler School of Nursing as an instructor, and was a Public Health Nurse for more than 26 years, retiring in 1994.

Emily was united in marriage to Allen Willard Anderson on April 24, 1987, at the Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester. This union also gave Emily two stepchildren, Joseph and Cheryl.

Emily volunteered for many organizations, including the SE MN Chapter of the American Red Cross as a Disaster Nursing Chair and was on the board of directors for 12 years; American Association of University Women, Friends of Rochester Library Bookstore board of directors; classroom volunteer in Rochester, MN and Lake Havasu City, AZ school systems, the Red Cross office in Lake Havasu City, AZ; and a member of the University of Minnesota Heritage and Chancellors Societies.

Emily loved to travel. She was able to visit all seven continents where she had many exciting adventures and met and made friends around the world.

In May of 2011, Emily established the Emily Carol Henning Anderson Scholarship at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing for students in the BSN program.

Emily is survived by her husband, Allen; stepdaughter Cheryl (David) Ruffalo of Rochester, MN; 6 step grandchildren and 6 step great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Carl B. Hennings, Jr., sister Harriet McCalmon, and stepson Joseph Anderson.

Memorials can be made to the Emily Carol Hennings Anderson Scholarship in School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota, the SE Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross Disaster Fund or the donor's choice.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 17, at Zumbro Lutheran Church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Anderson family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.