Anderson's on Broadway Obituaries

Welcome to Anderson's on Broadway

Anderson's on Broadway is not just a funeral home; it's a sanctuary where families can come to honor their loved ones in times of loss. Located at 801 Broadway Street in Alexandria, MN, this establishment has been a cornerstone of the community, providing compassionate care and professional service during some of life's most challenging moments.

Our Dedicated Team

At Anderson's on Broadway, the staff understands that every individual and family is unique, and so they strive to tailor their services to meet the specific needs of each family. With empathy at the heart of their service, the funeral home staff comprise experienced professionals committed to guiding families through each step, providing support and assistance tailored to each family's traditions and wishes.

Funeral Obiturary Search

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

E.J. Froemming - March 19, 1927 - July 07, 2020

Departed: 07/07/2020 (Alexandria)

Obituary Preview: Elroy James Froemming, the son of Arthur and Olga (Schumacher) Froemming, was born in Alexandria on March 19, 1927.  E.J. graduated from Central High School in 1945 and then enlisted into the United States Marines Corp.  He served overseas in China with the occupation forces for about eight months before being honorably discharged.  E.J. moved back to Alexandria and attended St. Cloud State.  He rekindled the romance with his high school sweetheart, Audrey Weatherwax, and married her on September 18, 1948.   E.J. worked odd jobs until he began his career with the United States Post Office in 1949.  He worked as a city letter carrier and as a rural letter carrier for 33 years and retired in 1982 at the age of 55 years old.  For the next 35 years, E.J. and Audrey spent their winters in Sun City, FL.

Although he was starter in both basketball and football while in high school, in later years he enjoyed golf, tennis, and volleyball.  He was also an excellent bridge player and liked to hunt and fish.  He volunteered his time as a fireman for the Alexandria Fire Department, the Golden K’s, and also held many positions with the First Congregation United Church of Church.  E.J. was a caring man with a great sense of humor and was loved by all.

E.J. died on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 93 years old.  He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Audrey Froemming of Alexandria; son, Brad (Mary Nortman) Froemming of Alexandria; daughter, Nicole Froemming of Alexandria; four grandchildren,  Kelly Froemming of Plano, TX, Kate (Torey) Winter of Minneapolis, Christopher Froemming of Ramsey, and Maren Froemming of Battle Creek, MI; 2 great grandchildren, Cameron Froemming and Brooks Winter; sister Di Ann Ness of Alexandria.  He was preceded in death by his son, Judd Froemming, parents, and four brothers, Eugene, Leighton, Warren, and Wallace.

A private family funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with the Reverend Dr. Jill L. Sanders officiating.  Entombment was in the Kinkead Mausoleum.  Casket Bearers were Dan Ness Jr, Barry Ness, George Weatherwax, Jeff Bisek, Christopher Froemming and Cameron Froemming.  Full military honors were accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post #87, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #936, Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #235, and the Marine Corps League Detachment #1409.

Due to Covid-19, the family has requested all guests to please wear a mask when attending the visitation and funeral.

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Kirk Smith - December 18, 1957 - May 04, 2019

Departed: 05/04/2019 (Alexandria)

Obituary Preview: Kirk Latz was born December 18, 1957 in Waukegan, IL, the son of Leonard and Darlene (Kirk) Latz. When Kirk was just a young child his Father, Leonard, died. His mother was united in marriage to James Smith. Kirk took the Smith name and was raised by James and Darlene.

After graduating from high school in Waukegan, Kirk joined the United States Marine Corps. He served in Okinawa and at Camp Pendleton in California. Following his discharge from military service, Kirk moved to Round Lake Beach, IL. In the early 1980’s Kirk was married and blessed with one son, Kirk Jr.

On November 15, 1991 Kirk was united in marriage to Denise Michaelson in Waukegan. They were blessed with two children, Andrew and Cassandra. He drove a transit bus for Laidlaw Transit Services from 1991 to 2001. In 2001 the family moved to Alexandria, MN to be closer to family.  Kirk worked at Juno in shipping and receiving for a time, He worked as a stockman at Walmart and about five years ago began driving bus for School District 206. Last December Kirk retired from bus driving due to health concerns.

In his younger days Kirk enjoyed going bowling. He was in league bowling when he met Denise. He also loved watching television. He was a fan of WWF, Movies, Sci/Fi and Ghost Adventures. Kirk loved the time spent with his coworkers visiting and having coffee. Kirk also enjoyed target shooting and bonding with friends at the shooting range or on their property.

Kirk participated in a small Bible study group with close friends. Kirk enjoyed the simple life of apartment living not needing to worry about snow removal or lawn care.

Kirk really loved driving his bus route and providing safety in transporting the children to and from school. Kirk loved telling jokes and making people laugh. He also had an unending knowledge of old TV shows and actor names you could ask him anything from this time period and he would have the answer! We were always amazed for his retention of this information.

On Saturday, May 4, 2019 Kirk died after battling pancreatic cancer for nearly one year; he was sixty-one years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Latz and James & Darlene Smith; and one sister, Tracy Neal. Kirk is survived by his wife, Denise Smith of Alexandria; sons, Kirk Smith Jr. of Round Lake Beach, IL and Andrew Smith of Alexandria; one daughter, Cassandra Jorud and husband Logan of Alexandria; one grandson, Jasper Jorud of Alexandria; and one sister, Christine Carmichael of Kent, OH.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 PM Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the New Life Christian Church in Alexandria. Reverend John Taplin will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6:30 PM Thursday at the church.

The family wants to thank Hospice of Douglas County for their help and support in his home care. This allowed his family to have Kirk home for his remaining days.

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Carolyn Gooder Towley - May 30, 1932 - November 09, 2018

Departed: 11/09/2018 (Alexandria)

Obituary Preview: Carolyn (Care) Marie Gooder Towley was born May 30, 1932.  She died in her sleep November 9, 2018.  Her grand plan had been to live for another 10 years “just to make your lives miserable” – always said with a twinkle in her eye. She was a true Minnesotan, born in Sauk Centre, raised in Mound, educated at Gustavus. Care was an accomplished musician, and was ever grateful to her parents for paying 25 cents a week for her piano lessons that ended up providing her priceless hours of enjoyment. She taught school to help put her husband (Carl Towley) through seminary, and was his “right-hand man” as organist and/or choir director at every parish they served.  As was not unusual in the 1960’s, her interests and career took a back seat to those of her spouse, and while she might have thought of herself as “just” a wife and mother, to her children, she was the center of the entire universe. She was as smart as a whip, and could do anything, even “with one hand tied behind her back” (another famous quip of hers).  Our house was always the one where neighborhood kids came to play – she commanded respect and civility, but knew that noise and spills and messes were part of raising of happy kids. She could braid hair so tight it stayed in place for weeks.  She somehow served a sumptuous Sunday noon-time dinner each week, even though she spent the entire morning at church – she was a master of the pressure-cooker.  Her cinnamon rolls were “to die for” – with the possible exception of that one time she inadvertently sprinkled the dough with Cajun seasoning instead of cinnamon. Nobody laughed harder than she did about that!

She did eventually focus on her own interests, earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing at BYU, and had a very successful professional career with GTE, working in hospitals all around the country.  She racked up frequent flier miles, and became a skilled navigator, finding little community hospitals in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere, USA – without GPS.

She came to live in Alexandria in 2001 to be close to family again. For the past several years, she resided at Nelson Gables Assisted Living facility. She was appreciative of the many friendships she developed with the “kids” who worked there. She enjoyed playing her grand piano, reading the newspaper from cover-to-cover every day, and writing out shopping lists on teeny-tiny scraps of paper. She was utterly disgusted by the conduct of the current POTUS - so we are confident that she had her wits about her to the very end. Care was preceded in death by infant sister Shirley Mae, infant son Louis Gooder Towley, daughter Anika Jacobs, grandson Kenny Johnson as well as her parents Edna and Alfred Gooder. She is survived by five children -  Paula du Feu, Kristin Towley Wilson, Carl Towley (all of Alexandria); Linnea Towley  (Salinas, CA) & Louis Towley (Aptos, CA) with assorted sons and daughters-in-law; grandchildren Kjirsten Wolever, Ashley Muntean, Daniel J. du Feu, Kaija Tilstra, Ben Wilson, Emma Wilson, David Wilson, Mattson Towley, Mette Towley, Hennessey Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Nathan Fultz, Alyssa Towley, Joshua Towley, Cody Alex  and Justin Alex; and 11 great-grandchildren to date. She liked to quote her father by saying “there isn’t a dud in the bunch!”

We are eternally grateful for the love she shared with us all, and celebrate our good fortune of having had her in our lives.

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Doris Ardelle Vangstad - May 07, 1921 - January 22, 2018

Departed: 01/22/2018 (Alexandria)

Obituary Preview: Doris Ardelle Olson Vangstad, 96, died January 22, 2018 Doris was born on May 7th, 1921 to John and Marie Olson in rural Osakis, Minnesota. She attended School District # 68 and was active in Sauk Valley Lutheran Church as a youth. She was married to John Vangstad in Osakis, Minnesota on May 25th, 1941

For many years, Doris worked at several Osakis and Alexandria Resorts as a Housekeeper. In 1966, Doris began working at Jefferson High School, where she worked for twenty-three years, becoming second cook.

Doris enjoyed crocheting, gardening, and spoiling her dogs. At one time, she owned a small travel trailer and spent many pleasant summer weekends at a resort in Emmaville, Minnesota. She has been a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church since l958.

Doris is survived by daughter, Bonnie (Norm) Anderson, Post Falls, Idaho; and sons, Jack (Patricia) Vangstad, Osakis, and Mike (Ann) Vangstad, Alexandria. Doris is also survived by eight grandchildren, Lisa, Amy, Beth, Bridget, Jeremy, Jenny, Julie and Mike. She was fortunate to have fifteen great grandchildren and enjoyed the company of her sister, Ruby Maus of Osakis.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, John and Marie Olson; brother, Clarence; and infant sister, Myrtle.

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Hollyday Holly Haanen - September 10, 1948 - December 18, 2017

Departed: 12/18/2017 (Alexandria)

Obituary Preview: On Monday, December 18, 2017, Holly Haanen crossed over to the Spirit World.

Holly was born on September 10, 1948 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Alexandria, MN.  She grew up in Alexandria and graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in 1966.

Her early years were spent in Minneapolis working as a receptionist and administrative assistant at Investors Diversified Services.

In the early 1970’s she was married and moved to California with her husband who was stationed there in the Navy.  While living in California she got swept into the fast lane of drugs and alcohol.  Her marriage ended soon thereafter.  She remained in California and her lifestyle led her to depression and despair.  She soon moved back to Minnesota and her demons came with her.

For several decades, she tried to escape those demons through counseling and prescription medications.  It was a long, dark and lonely chapter in her life.  In her 50’s, Holly began to find some comfort and purpose in her life through Native American Spirituality.

In the summer of 2009, she decided to turn her life over to the loving, healing spirit of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and was baptized.  From that day on, her desire for drugs and alcohol was miraculously removed from her life through the healing power of her Savior, Jesus Christ.  Although her challenges did not end there, how she faced them with Gods help changed dramatically.  The new Holly can be described as a woman of grace, forgiveness, love and unwavering devotion to her family, friends and her dogs…all of which she loved dearly.

Holly spent the last years of her life fighting breast cancer and nurturing her relationships with family and friends.  Humor, courage, tenacity, grace, dignity and faith in our Lord characterized the final eight years of her life.

Holly was proceeded in death by her mother, Lonnie (Haanen) Drussel, and her father, Charles (Chic) Haanen.  She is survived by her son, Brendon Prigge (wife Alice) of Eden Prairie, and her daughter, Autumn Bennett of New Hope;  Holly’s brother’s, Clyde Horlick of Bemidji, Greg (Gayle) Haanen of Alexandria, Rod (Mary Jane) of International Falls;  grandchildren, Weston, Michala and Jayce Prigge; nieces and nephews, Heidi Vangen, Blythe Hoffman, Heather Camping, Jeff Haanen, Grace and Will Haanen.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 AM Friday, December 22, 2017 at the New Life Christian Church in Alexandria. Reverend John Taplin will officiate. Honorary pall bearers are Helen Flodstrom, Mona Schultz, Wendy Haner, Dee and Bob Kuhlman, and all of Holly’s AA friends who supported her in her sobriety. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM Friday at the church.

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Judy Williams - November 07, 1950 - November 08, 2017

Departed: 11/08/2017 (Alexandria)

Obituary Preview: Judy Sharon Williams was born November 7, 1950 in Norton, VA. She was the daughter of Fred and Doris (Barton) Farmer.  She grew up in Baltimore, MD where she attended school. Judy graduated from Howard High School in Baltimore in 1968.

While working for the National Security Agency, Judy met Darrell Williams who also worked there. In 1969 Darrell left the NSA and returned to Minnesota. Shortly after retuning he proposed to Judy and the two were united in marriage on September 27, 1969 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN. They made their home in Alexandria where she worked for First Bank and Holiday Inn before focusing on raising her family.

After Judy’s oldest children were in high school she returned to school herself. Judy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Judy was always interested in social justice and helping those in need. She was trained as a Stephen Minister. Judy later took a job as a program director with Prairie Community Services where she worked for many years. She retired in 2012.

Judy served as treasurer and later as a supervisor for La Grande Township. She was a member of the Homemaker’s Club and also was active at church serving on the church council and in any way she could be of service to her church community. She was also a member of the DFL and the Sierra Club.

Christmas was always made special by Judy’s ability to decorate and celebrate the holiday season. Judy was happiest with a house-full of family and friends; sharing laughs and treats. Judy knew the importance of treats; having treats constituted her third rule of a good life. Judy loved to read; she especially liked thrillers and science fiction.  Stephen King was her favorite author.   She was skilled at sewing and was an excellent cook.

Judy was always a caregiver. She offered family and friends her sense of humor and loved to laugh with them. She was a happy person who persevered through life’s hardships.  It was this resilience and sense of positivity that made people love her.

On Wednesday, November 8, 2017 Judy died at the age of sixty-seven years. She was preceded in death by her parents. Judy is survived by her husband, Darrell Williams of Alexandria; son Justin Williams and wife, Meghan Cronin, of Alexandria; daughters, Heather McCoy and husband, Andrew, of Maple Grove, MN and Michelle Walker and husband, Jay, of Duluth, MN; three grandchildren, Cassidy Walker, Ian Walker and Madelyn McCoy; three brothers, Fred Farmer and wife, Sandra, of Baltimore, Rodney Farmer of Baltimore and Joe Farmer and wife, Pamela, of Bristol, RI: sister, Alice Deckman of Baltimore; and several nieces and nephews.

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Services Offered

Anderson's on Broadway offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure that every detail is attended to with respect and significance. From traditional funerals to more modern celebrations of life, the options are adaptable to honor the wishes of the departed and those who mourn them. Additional services include pre-planning, grief support resources, and assistance with obituaries and memorial services.

Facilities and Comfort

The facilities at Anderson's on Broadway have been designed with the comfort of families in mind. From the spacious chapel for visitation and service ceremonies to the private family rooms for quiet contemplation, this funeral home provides a serene and dignified environment. The warm and welcoming decor further provides solace to guests during their time of need.

Personalized Memorials and Tributes

Recognizing that each life is unique, Anderson's on Broadway offers personalized memorials and tributes. This may range from photo boards and video presentations to customized music selections and special readings. Their goal is to capture the essence of the individual, creating a meaningful and lasting tribute that celebrates their life and legacy.

Pre-Planning Services

Understanding the importance of planning ahead for life's inevitable moments, Anderson's on Broadway offers pre-planning services. This proactive approach allows individuals to outline their final wishes, relieve their family of this future burden, and ensure that personal preferences are honored. The Funeral Home provides guidance and planning tools necessary to make informed decisions about all aspects of the end-of-life planning.

Community Outreach and Support

Believing in the strength of community, Anderson's on Broadway plays an active role in Alexandria and the surrounding areas. Whether offering educational programs about grief and loss or participating in community events, they aim to contribute to the wellbeing of the people they serve. The staff also provides ongoing support and resources to anyone grappling with grief, understanding that the journey doesn't end with the service.

Contacting Anderson's on Broadway

For more information, or to seek assistance with funeral arrangements, the staff at Anderson's on Broadway are available to answer any questions. They can be reached day or night, ensuring that support is available whenever it may be needed. Contacting them is straightforward, whether in person at the 801 Broadway Street address, by phone, or via their website, where additional resources and information are provided.

Choosing Anderson's on Broadway

Choosing a funeral home is a deeply personal decision. Anderson's on Broadway respects this choice and offers a promise to deliver services with dignity, respect, and professionalism. They pledge to be there for the families they serve, upholding their reputation as a pillar of support and comfort during life’s most challenging times. When selecting Anderson's on Broadway, you choose a partner who values the significance of saying goodbye in a way that is most meaningful to you and your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice of a person's death, typically published in a newspaper or online. It often includes a brief summary of the deceased's life story, details about the funeral or memorial services, and information about the surviving family members. Obituaries serve as a way to publicly acknowledge a person's passing and their legacy.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

An obituary is a more detailed account of a person's life and legacy, often written by family members or journalists. It includes personal tributes and a narrative of the deceased's life. A death notice, on the other hand, is a shorter, more formal announcement that simply states the facts of death, including the name, age, date of death, and details about the funeral services.

Who can write an obituary?

An obituary can be written by anyone close to the deceased, such as a family member, friend, or even a professional writer. It is important that the individual who writes it is familiar with the deceased's life and has the consent of the immediate family.

What information should be included in an obituary?

An obituary should typically include the full name of the deceased, their age, date of birth and death, cause of death if appropriate, a brief overview of their personal history, achievements, and interests, information about the surviving family members, details of the funeral services, and any memorial or charity donation requests.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary greatly but is often governed by the space available in the publication or platform it is being posted on. It can be as short as a few sentences for a death notice or considerably longer for a full life story. However, when writing, it is best to focus on the most significant aspects of the deceased's life and the information important for public knowledge.

Is it necessary to mention the cause of death?

Mentioning the cause of death in an obituary is not necessary and is up to the discretion of the family. In some cases, the family may choose to include this information as it can be meaningful to those who knew the deceased, while in other cases, they may opt for privacy.

How can I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online?

To submit an obituary to a newspaper or online publication, you should first check with the publication for their submission guidelines, which may outline specifications for format, length, and the submission process. You may need to contact the obituary department directly or, for many online platforms, complete a submission form electronically.

What is the typical cost for publishing an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication and its pricing structure. Newspapers often charge by line, word, or size, including any photographs included. Online obituary platforms may offer free or paid options. It's best to inquire directly with the specific publication for their rates.

Can I publish an obituary for someone who died several years ago?

Yes, it's possible to publish an obituary for someone who died several years ago. This is sometimes done on significant anniversaries of the person's death or if an obituary was not published at the time of death. The process would be similar to publishing a recent obituary, though the publication may have different guidelines for historical obituaries.

Should I include a photograph with the obituary?

Including a photograph with an obituary can be a touching way to help readers recognize the deceased and add a personal element to the tribute. It is, however, optional and based on the family's preference and the publication's guidelines and costs.

How do we handle multiple survivors in an obituary?

When listing multiple survivors in an obituary, it's usual to start with the closest relations such as spouses and children, followed by grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members. For large families, it may be appropriate to generalize (e.g., "survived by five grandchildren") to keep the obituary at a reasonable length.

Is it acceptable to mention pets in an obituary?

Yes, it's becoming more common to mention pets in obituaries as they are considered part of the family. If the deceased had a close bond with a pet, acknowledging that relationship can be a warm and personal addition to their obituary.

How do we address predeceased family members?

Predeceased family members can be mentioned in the obituary to acknowledge important relationships in the deceased's life. They are typically listed after the survivors and often phrased as "preceded in death by," followed by the names and relationships of the deceased relatives.

Can we add anecdotes or personal stories to the obituary?

Yes, anecdotes or personal stories can be included in an obituary and can provide a heartfelt glimpse into the deceased's personality and life. However, they should be chosen carefully to respect the dignity of the deceased and the public nature of an obituary.

Are there different cultural practices for writing obituaries?

Cultural practices can influence how obituaries are written and what information is included. Different cultures may have specific traditions or protocols to follow. It's important to be respectful of these practices and seek guidance if the cultural expectations are unclear.

Is it appropriate to include religious references in an obituary?

Including religious references in an obituary is appropriate if it reflects the beliefs of the deceased and their family. These references can be comforting to those who share the same faith. However, it's important to be mindful that the obituary may be read by individuals of diverse backgrounds.

How do you address donations or memorial contributions in the obituary?

If the family prefers donations or memorial contributions over flowers, this can be stated at the end of the obituary. Provide clear instructions for where donations should be sent and, if relevant, to which organization or cause they should be attributed.

What should be avoided when writing an obituary?

When writing an obituary, it's best to avoid overly personal details that the deceased may not have wished to be public, controversial or divisive content, and any sort of promotion or advertising. Abide by a tone of respect and dignity throughout.

How should an obituary be structured?

An obituary should generally start with the announcement of death, followed by a short biography of the deceased, a list of survivors and predeceased family members, details of the funeral or memorial service, and end with any requests for charitable donations or special thanks.

What if I make a mistake in the obituary?

If a mistake is discovered in an obituary, contact the publication as soon as possible to inquire about making a correction. Many newspapers and online platforms understand the importance of accuracy in these notices and will be willing to help you correct the error promptly.

How can we involve children in the process of creating an obituary?

Children can be involved by sharing stories or memories they have of the deceased or by helping to select photographs or pieces of information they feel are important. Involving children in the process can be a part of their grieving and a way to honor their relationship with the loved one.