Eunice Anderson-Webb
September 25, 1935 - September 10, 2025
Eunice E. Anderson-Webb, age 89, of New Prague, formerly of Northfield, died peacefully with her family near on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Kingsway Retirement Center in Belle Plaine. Eunice was born on September 25, 1935, in Fargo, ND, to John and Hulda (Tiegland) Sortland. The family moved frequently during Eunice’s childhood, including California during WWII to work in the shipyards. She graduated from West High School in Minneapolis and attended Augsburg College for two years before marrying Ivar Anderson in August 1955. She eventually earned her teaching degree at Bemidji State University and her masters’ degree in education at Mankato State University.
After Ivar’s death in 2002, Eunice spent a few years on her own and thought about getting a dog for company. Her youngest son suggested a man might be a more companionable option and signed her up with E-Harmony. She connected with Lonnie Webb, an avid bridge player, and as a bonus, he had a beautiful black lab named Koal. They married on February 13, 2006. Eunice’s son and his wife’s sister also found success through E-Harmony, resulting in the three couples being flown to California to film a long-running national commercial.
Eunice’s family was the center of her life. She possessed strength and grit and was the rock that held the family together. From 1961 to present day, her extended family meets annually on the shores of Grace Lake near Bemidji, a sure sign of a firm commitment to family. Eunice was gregarious by nature, welcoming family and friends with the coffee ready to pour. Her vibrant spirit, love of people, acceptance of differences, and natural warmth made her a magnet to those who knew and loved her.
Faith was the cornerstone of Eunice’s life. For nearly thirty years, she served in many roles at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield and after moving to New Prague, she attended Holy Trinity Lutheran.
Ever an entrepreneur, she enjoyed a successful career as a young woman at Dayton’s Department Store and in the 1960’s built a beautiful campground on Cass Lake, Marclay Point, with Ivar. An exceptional educator, she taught 5th and 6th grade in Northfield for 28 years before retiring in 1998.
Eunice enjoyed many pastimes but was most passionate about the game of bridge. She and Ivar shared this love with their young family by teaching their sons to play by the time they were in second grade. She and Lonnie played competitive bridge twice a week. They once took a bridge-focused cruise where they played so much bridge that they barely noticed the splendid scenery.
A member of the golf team in high school, Eunice golfed with her family throughout her life. She loved British television and detective novels. Eunice’s culinary skills came out in her prolific baking and her creativity in carving Scandinavian characters honoring her heritage. She enjoyed travel, especially cruises with both husbands.
Eunice is survived by her children, Marc (Mary) Anderson of New Prague, Clay (Melissa) Anderson of Dassel, Todd (Tracy) Anderson of Bloomington; stepchildren, David (Nancy) Webb of New Prague, Allen (Carol) Webb of Savage, Kathleen (Perry) Roberts of Palm Coast, FL, Margie Webb (Renae Pereira-Webb) of Lakeville; stepson-in-law, Brian Dohm of New Prague; grandchildren, Kalah (Bryan) Pelka, Samantha (Myles) Crosby, Raena Anderson, Gavin Anderson, Corbin Anderson; great-grandchildren, Lily, Stella, Silas, & Asher; 17 step-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, William Halverson of Edina. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Ivar, in 2002; second husband, Lonnie, in 2017; stepchildren, Judy Dohm & Donald Webb; brothers, Howard & Allan Sortland; sister Marolyn Halverson.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM with the service at 2:00 PM, followed by refreshments in the church hall. A private family burial will be held.
Family would like to direct memorials in Eunice’s name to Kingsway Retirement Living (337 S. Meridian St., Belle Plaine, MN 56011).
Eunice was like a second mother to me for over two decades. I learned so much from her that I carry with me to this day almost another 20 years later. Could not of asked for a better Grandmother for Kalah. Thank you for sharing her! She will be missed.
I have always thought of Eunice as my mentor at Sibley Elementary where we taught and as a favorite teacher of two of our children. She was a fun, creative, dedicated and involved teacher. She came to many of their sports events and was a true fan. God bless you, Eunice. Your wisdom will live on.
As a Title I reading and math teacher at Sibley, I spent time in Eunice’s room every day. She immediately treated me as her equal, teaming together to be sure every student’s learning goals were met. You have earned your wings Eunice!
Eunice was a delight to work with at Sibley. She had such a great sense of humor, loved her job and her classes, and the people she worked with! When I think about her, she always has a big smile on her face. Rest in peace, Eunie.
How beautiful. Eunice was truly a Godsend to our family. She may have literally been the kindest person I have ever met. Our prayers to your entire family and know that we are ever grateful and blessed to have known her.