Florence (Anderson) Emery

Florence Emery passed away on Saturday, December 19, at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 96.

Private graveside services were held on Tuesday, December 22.  A recording of the service will be available on December 23, 2020 on Florence’s obituary page.  A celebration of Florence’s life is planned for a later date.

Florence Winifred Anderson was born in Montevideo on June 18, 1924 to Willie and Helga (Christianson) Anderson.  She attended and graduated from Montevideo High School in 1942.  Florence was united in marriage to Clyde Emery at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on August 10, 1947.  They made their home in Montevideo and raised five children: Julie, William, Jerril, Janet and Robert.

Florence’s jobs outside the home included working at The Downtown Cafe, running a “Used-A-Bit” shop, and secretary jobs at Powell Auto, and Reliastar Insurance Company.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Montevideo Community Center, and a thriving Homemaker Club called “The Jolly Six Pack.”   Florence enjoyed baking, embroidering, and gardening.  Her specialties included chocolate chip cookies, apple pies that she would often give away, and caramel rolls.  She made sure that everyone in the family got a cake for their birthday. A highlight of Florence’s life centered around her kitchen table, which was a magnet drawing friends and family into her home for endless cups of egg coffee and fresh baked cookies.  Coffee time at the Emery home was an important part of its function.

Florence and Clyde loved to go dancing, a favorite activity they enjoyed for years as members of the Minnewaska Dance Club.  In her later years, Florence joined the Red Hat Ladies Club, where she met many new friends with whom she enjoyed outings, activities, and dressing up in their “Red Hat” attire.

Florence is survived by her children: Julie (Mark) Peterson, Montevideo; Jeri (Fred) Blom, Montevideo; Bob (Terri) Emery, Montevideo; Janet (Dan) McClung, Akeley, MN; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clyde; son, Bill; siblings, Russell (Virginia) Anderson, Myrtle (Clarence) Sherod, Wilma (Frank) Christianson, and Margaret (Bob) Sieber.