Joan Rae Anderson

Mrs. Joan Rae Anderson passed away suddenly on October 13, 2026, following a brief illness. She was born on April 30, 1933 to Roy & Marietta Bowden, of Lake Park, IA. The third of six children, Joan spent the early part of her life in Lake Park, eventually wedding Mr. William Anderson, also of Lake Park in 1951. William and Joan relocated to Finland, MN in 1959, where they raised three children, Doug, Teresa, and Bradley.

Joan, who was affectionately referred to as Joanie by those who knew her well, was a fun-loving and competitive socialite of Finland and Silver Bay. From legendary shenanigans with her dearly departed best friend Judy Moody (Dubbin), to Bingo on Tuesday nights, and seemingly endless (and ruthless) rounds of Mexican Train and cribbage, Joanie always enjoyed the company of her friends and family. Although cooking wasn't on the top of her list of hobbies she was known for her egg rolls and pecan pie. She also did many cross stitch dish towels and pillow cases for fund raisers and gifts. Joanie had many great winters in Yuma AZ with her friends of many years from Finland and Canada. There are too many to mention but she deeply appreciated each and everyone of them.

Joanie served her community throughout her adult life, working as a waitress at a number of local establishments and regularly offering help in support of various community events. Perhaps her most honorable contribution came from her service to the Veteran’s Administration in Tomah, WI where she worked for several years.

In her retirement years Joanie took up golfing with her longtime friend Phyllis Fitzgerald. The two of them were well known on the Silver Bay golf course.

Besides the role of loving mother to Doug, Teresa, and Bradley, Joan eventually became matriarch of an extended and blended family that includes many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, all of whom she cherished with all the warmth and love that only a grandmother can.

Everyone who knew and loved Joanie will miss her and her radiant smile and twinkling blue eyes . But we can all take comfort knowing that she is finally reunited with her husband William, sister Beryl, brother Lyle, son Bradley, and grandsons Tyler and Travis, who preceded her in death. A memorial service to celebrate the long, full life of Joan Rae Anderson will be held at Baptism River Community Church on November 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.