Klare Anderson

There are no greater achievements, no prouder triumphs, and no higher earthly calling, than simply being known as Mother. It is mother who cares for us, nurtures us, and above all, loves us, every day of our lives. Klare Anderson was a wonderful woman, and a friend to many through the years. Most of all, she was a loving mother, whose life lives on in her children today. Klares story began on a hot summer day in 1916, after the Fourth of July fireworks had all been fired in the charming Chicago suburb of Woodstock, Illinois. Those were exciting times in this country, which was being transformed by the innovations of the automobile and the airplane, and not yet embroiled in the terrible conflict happening overseas. On July 9, 1916, Doude and Clara (VanderMuelen) Weerstra had even more to celebrate, with the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Klare Elaine. Klare was one of eight children in the large family, joining four sisters and four brothers in the familys home in Woodstock. Woodstock was a good place to grow up for Klare, a picturesque small town, the quintessential Americana, where several movies would be filmed over the years. At the same time she was going to school there, a young man named Orson Welles was a grade ahead of Klare, at the Todd School for Boys in Woodstock. Yet growing up in the small town gave her a great love and appreciation for traveling, which was a lifelong love for her. Klare found another love as a young woman, though, in a young man named Roy Anderson. They began dating, fell in love, and were married in 1942. The couple was blessed with two fine sons over the years, Marvin and Andrew, who filled Klares life with such pride and joy. She raised them to be wonderful men, full of character, charisma, and her powerful faith in the Lord, as well. Her marriage to Roy would one day end, but her life was fulfilled by her family and her many friends. She worked for many years as a cook in various institutions, always working hard to provide for her children. She later moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where she was a faithful and loyal member of Forest Park Covenant Church. Later in life, Klare enjoyed traveling all over the country with her family and friends, memorable trips she cherished greatly. She even kept a photo album of her scenic travels by her bedside, the memories she shared with her family so close to her head and her heart. Sadly, Klare died on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, at the age of 91. Klare was a wonderful woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life full of faith, family, and fond memories. She was a beloved sister, daughter, and friend to so many, but most of all, she was a loving mother, whose life lives on in her children today. She will be greatly missed. Klare is survived by her two sons, Marvin Anderson of Griffith, IN & Rev. Andrew (Susan) Anderson of Cooper City, FL. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Roy, 4 sisters & 3 brothers. Services are scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2007, 11:00 AM at Forest Park Covenant Church, with a reception following. Interment will take place at E. Dalton-Oakhill Cemetery. Visitation is Friday, 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Forest Park Covenant Church, and a charity of your choice in her name.. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book.