Norma Anderson
For Norma Anderson, the joy of living is what she tries to pass on to all she meets. Now in her 90s, she remains as she always has—generous, enthusiastic, and a person who truly is dedicated to helping others. She is living proof of a life well lived.
Originally from the plains of Langdon, N.D., she was raised by parents who believed in helping others. Carrying that philosophy forward, Norma has been making a difference in the La Crosse community ever since she and her husband Lyle moved here in 1965.
As a couple, they supported many causes together. After his retirement, they became volunteers, traveling to Trinidad, Kenya, and Cameroon as part of the International Executive Service Corp.
When her husband became ill, Norma extended her friendship to those nursing home residents in need of special attention. She gained a well-earned reputation for helping in any way she could. When Lyle passed away, Norma continued a full life of service, advocating for many of the causes they believed benefited the common good.
To name a few, she has contributed her time, talent, and resources to Viterbo University, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Franciscan Skemp Foundation, the PEO Sisterhood which helps young women by providing educational opportunities, the American Association of University Women, the YWCA, Chileda, and the Great Rivers United Way. In honor of Lyle, who served as president of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, Norma made a substantial gift to that organization to promote its well being.
Norma is also a member of the La Crosse Community Foundation and a strong supporter of the Women’s Fund. For many years she was also an active volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program, providing not only nourishment, but much welcomed conversation and hospitality to friends, neighbors and residents with limited mobility.
Some say true philanthropy is simply a love for humankind—not requiring acknowledgment, publicity, or for that matter, even money. It requires only a desire to manifest some joy in one’s own life. To that end, Norma Anderson could add: Philanthropy knows no age. A recipient of the “Ageless Heroes” award, Norma continues to redefine the meaning of age and is an example for all of us to follow. Love life. Value people. Be generous.
A member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, she offers a helping hand and friendship to many of those she meets—be it a new member, a recently widowed member, or a teenager. She has two children, Eric and Susan, and enjoys the company of four grandsons and seven great-grandchildren.