Susan Anderson

Susan “Sue” Margaret Anderson, 80, of New London, died Monday, November 17th, at Glen Oaks Senior Living Campus in New London after a prolonged and difficult battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, which she was officially diagnosed with in 2023 (PSP.org).  PSP is commonly referred to as an “Atypical Parkinsonism” because of its overlap of certain symptoms with Parkinson’s disease and, therefore, is often misdiagnosed in most of its cases, making comfort difficult to achieve for those afflicted.  However, PSP progresses quite differently from actual Parkinson’s disease, and it shares a much more similar pathology to Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.  PSP was confirmed postmortem as the disease that took her father in 1997 by Harvard Medical, Massachusetts General, and Johns Hopkins, with a brain donation to a comprehensive and still ongoing decades-long study into the disease.

Her memorial service will be 11:00 am, Friday, December 12, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in New London. Her visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursday, December 11th, 2025, and one hour prior to the service all at the church. The burial will take place at a future date at one of the Minnesota Veterans Cemeteries of the family's choosing. A livestream of the service can be found here.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in New London. www.hafh.org  

Susan Margaret Anderson was born on July 6, 1945, to David and Dorothy (Hentz) Solid in Breckenridge, MN.  She grew up in Hankinson, ND, where she attended Hankinson Elementary & High School and graduated in 1963.  After high school, she began her college education at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, ND.  She completed her studies at Valley City State University (VCSU) in Valley City, ND, earning her Bachelor of Science in physical & health education. 

Sue began her career as an educator in Jackson, MN, in 1967, taking a temporary half-year position.  In 1968, she accepted a full-time teaching position at New London–Spicer Jr. & Sr. High School as a Physical Education & Health teacher.  She truly loved her work and took great pride in teaching and encouraging her students.  In 1971, she met the new science teacher at New London High School, Don Anderson.  Their friendship grew into love, and they were united in marriage on July 1, 1972, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hankinson.  Together, they were blessed with two sons, Eric (1975) and Aaron (1978).  Sue taught for 31 years at NL-S Schools before retiring in 1999.  She was a beloved teacher whose kindness and dedication created many lasting relationships throughout her career. 

Sue was a long-time member of Peace Lutheran Church in New London, where she taught Sunday School when her boys were young, often serving as a greeter and usher, and serving on numerous committees, and being active with the Women of Peace while her health allowed. 

In her retirement, Sue enjoyed traveling and seeing the world, including trips to Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Galapagos Islands, and Canada, as well as numerous National Parks, beaches, cities, and sites throughout the United States.  She and Don spent many winters as snowbirds in Sun City West, AZ to be close to their grandchildren.  

As a survivor of both breast and ovarian cancer, Sue served and advocated for those also battling the disease in her community through her work with the American Cancer Society and their annual Relay for Life event.  She also supported Don’s involvement in the New London American Legion Post #537 as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Her passion for gardening kept her very busy with her own vast gardens, the New London Garden Club, the Kandiyohi County Horticulture Society, and she was a member of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, along with numerous other environmental organizations.  Sue was a lifelong lover of dogs, having many loyal companions throughout her life, and never met a canine she did not admire. 

Sue is survived by her husband, Donald, of New London; her children, Eric (Sally Petron) Anderson of Saint Cloud, and Aaron (Robin) Anderson; and her grandchildren, Arlo & Oliver, of Surprise, AZ.  Her sister, Jeanne (Lorren) Hoger of New Salem, ND.  Her stepbrother, Terry (Jerrine) Hauskins of Aberdeen, SD.  Her sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Solid of Fond du Lac, WI, Shelly (Bill) Back of Bloomington, MN, Kathy Jonson of Bloomington, MN, and brother-in-law, Larry (Laurie) Anderson of Odin, MN.  Sue is survived by numerous cousins, as well as several nieces, great-nieces, and great-nephews. 

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, David Sr. and Dorothy Solid; her stepmother, Kathy Hauskins; her brother, David Solid Jr.; her niece, Renee Zager; and her in-laws, Philip & LeeTana (Peaches) Anderson.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Moments Hospice for helping Sue through her difficult end-of-life care, keeping her as comfortable as possible as she passed. 

The family will direct monetary memorials for Susan to research groups working to find effective treatments and an eventual cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.  More information on Progressive Supranuclear Palsy can be found on PSP.org and internet searches (Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic).  The family feels it is essential to use Sue’s experience with the disease to educate others about PSP to try and prevent misdiagnosis and minimize as much as possible the difficult end-of-life suffering this cruel disease causes.

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