Maxine A. Anderson

 Maxine Ann (Emerson) Anderson, affectionately known as Mitzi or Max by her close friends and Mitz by her husband, passed away at the age of 87 on Tuesday morning, September 3, 2024, in Casper, Wyoming. She was born on February 20, 1937 in Devils Lake, North Dakota to Clarence and Anna (Pederson) Emerson and grew up in the little farming town of Churches Ferry, and then Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Maxine met Gordon V. Anderson of Leeds, N.D. when they were both students at the University of North Dakota (UND) and they were married in Grand Forks on September 15, 1957 with many happy members of both families in attendance, despite the “mixed marriage” (the Emersons were Norwegians, the Andersons were Swedes!). Their two daughters, Kristi and Patti, were born in Grand Forks, and son Stuart was born in Fargo as Maxine and children followed Gordon to Casper as he was hired as Vice President of Western National Bank in the Summer of 1972. Maxine remained a Casper resident and loyal Wyomingite until her death. 

 Maxine supplemented her Bachelor of Philosophy from UND in Liberal Arts with a B.S. from Mankato State College, juggling her family and education in an era when few women considered such a step. She was an accomplished and confident working woman her entire life, while keeping her house and kids in good order! She retired as manager of the Natrona County Records Department after a nearly 20-year career and then opened her own business, Magic Accents, in the loft of Rocky Mountain Carpet/Carpet One, her husband Gordon’s floor covering business. There Maxine made beautiful custom area rugs, many of which are likely still gracing the floors and walls of local businesses and homes. In addition, Maxine led a full and active lifestyle before injuries and surgeries took their toll. She hunted alongside her husband filling tags for antelope, and even a moose! She organized many camping and beach trips, as well as family reunions. A talented athlete, Maxine maintained championship-level averages in bowling and low double-digit handicaps in golf. She traveled the state and the country with her golfing buddies to play in various tournaments at well-known courses such as Doral in Florida, Pebble Beach, CA, and Wailea in Maui, HI. Those days built strong relationships with many close friends she held dear until the day she passed. 

Maxine spent five years at Mountain Plaza Assisted Living where she once again made friends of both staff and residents and left a hole with her passing. Mountain Plaza afforded her stability and safety in a friendly and loving atmosphere in her final years and her family deeply appreciates the care, love and comfort provided by all the staff.

 She and her husband Gordon were founding members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 1980 and she remained a leader and member there until her passing. Her dear Church family will miss her greatly.

Maxine was predeceased by her husband, Gordon, who died way too young at the age of 62; her mother and father, and all her siblings – sister Ilene Wilderspin and brothers Derby and Casey Emerson. She is survived by her son, Stuart; daughter Patti and her husband, Terry Gunderson; grandchildren Alexis and Kyle Gunderson; and her oldest daughter, Kristi (who inherited her artistic gifts) and her husband, Jon Grussendorf; and their two children, Erin and Joel Grussendorf; Joel's wife, Kate, and great-grandson, Jack. The birth of her lone great-grandchild Jack was a particular highlight for her in recent years.

 Maxine Anderson's passing has left a gigantic hole in the lives of her family and friends. She is dearly missed, and her memory will be held tightly by all of us.

The family will announce details at a later date regarding her future memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Wyoming Hospice (https://centralwyominghospice.org/) in her memory.