Rochelle Ann Anderson, age 84 of Hager City WI, died at home in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 28, 2020 surrounded by the love of her family. Rochelle entered this world as a 2.5 lb. preemie on March 10, 1936 in Ellsworth WI. She was the first of seven children born to Lyman and Aletha (Stebnitz) Dopkins. Rochelle attended school in Ellsworth, and graduated from Ellsworth High School with the Class of 1954. On March 25, 1955 at the English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, she would be united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Wayne M. Anderson. Their union in marriage would be blessed with four children, two generations of grandchildren, and over 65 years of love and devotion.
Rochelle’s dad had passed when she was only fifteen, and she was subsequently catapulted to the role of the caregiver big sister for her younger siblings, even having her twin brothers come to live with her and Wayne on the farm. After marriage, they farmed with Wayne’s parents, Archie and Myrtle, until 1964 when they purchased the 170-acre farm.
Rochelle and Wayne made a life together and raised their family through the hard work and special joys that come with farm life. Rochelle was a great partner on the farm, working in the milk house, feeding calves, plus many other chores. She was well known for all the meals she prepared for the help and herdsmen throughout the years. In later years, Rochelle attended the Oliver Thein Beauty School. Her sense of class and style made her a perfect student. Though Wayne and Rochelle retired from farming in 1999, they still continued living on the farm they loved so much, while enjoying winters in Florida, where Rochelle’s rice pudding was a hit among their friends at all the monthly pool parties.
Through the years, Rochelle was a devoted member of Bethel Covenant Church, where she was active in teaching Sunday School, and being involved in young couples group, ladies group, youth group, and the church choir. Rochelle adored babies and small children, and cherished time spent with all of her family. She will be missed dearly by a loving family and many dear friends.
Rochelle is survived by her husband of 65 years, Wayne; her children, Kathy (Dan) Enberg, Kenneth W. Anderson, Rand (Ellen Meier) Anderson, and Lisa (Lawren) Duncan; grandchildren, Cadence (Jeremy) Judd, Nadine (Nathan) Douds, Logan (Megan) Anderson, Chelsea (James) Davis, Graydon (Jess Cross) Anderson, Davis Duncan, Shelby Duncan, and Ross Duncan; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Charlie, Daily, Anniston, Selah, Eden, Ivy, and McKinnley; brothers, Larry (Barb) Dopkins, Dean (Nancy) Dopkins, Don (Sue) Dopkins, and Dave (Linda) Dopkins; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyman and Aletha Dopkins; her brother, Henry; and her sister, Louise.
To celebrate the life of Rochelle Anderson, her family will host a celebration of her life on Saturday, August 15, 2020 from 1:00-4:00pm, with a service beginning at 1:15pm, at the family farm, N3540 County Road K in rural Hager City. There will be plenty of room for guests to wear masks and practice social distancing if desired. A private family burial will be held, with Rochelle’s final resting place at the Bethel Covenant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Choice Clinic, 1614 W Third St., Red Wing MN 55066. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth WI. 715-273-4421
