Marge Anderson

Marge Anderson, 81 year old resident of Onamia, MN passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 29, 2013 surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Lee Staples officiating. A visitation will begin at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Online tributes can be left at shelleyfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia. Marge was born on April 21, 1932 on the Mille Lacs Reservation to Henry Davis, Sr. and Annie (Dorr) Davis. Marge was united in Marriage to Merlin Anderson in 1954. She was fluent in the Ojibwe language, and has served more than 20 years in the Band’s tribal government. In December 2008, she was elected Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band in a special election. Marge began her public service in 1976 as District I Representative. She then served as Secretary/Treasurer from 1987-1991 before being appointed Chief Executive in 1991 after Art Gahbow died while in office. She was elected to the post in 1992 and again in 1996. During her tenure as Chief Executive, Marge has led the development of Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley and the rebuilding of the reservation through new schools, clinics, community centers, housing, a water treatment plant, and other infrastructure. Her efforts to strengthen tribal self-governance and increase American Indians’ self-sufficiency have received national recognition. Marge enjoyed golfing, playing bingo, sewing, and being with family. She looked forward to her annual summer vacation with family. Marge was a member of the Midewin and Ceremonial Drum Societies. Marge Anderson is survived by her loving husband, Merlin Anderson; son, Loren Anderson, Sr. of Brainerd, MN; daughter, Gina Anderson of Onamia, MN; sister, Frances Davis of Onamia, MN; grandchildren, Dallas, Sr., Tina, Loren, Nicole, Lauren, Amber, Brandon, Damon, Danielle, and Denise; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Destanie, Shyla, and Dallas, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Davis, Sr., and Annie (Dorr) Davis; son, Keith Anderson; sisters, Fairy Davis, Louise Davis, Virginia Davis, and Marge Harwood; brothers, Richard Davis, Henry Davis, Jr., Harold Davis, Arthur Gahbow and Wesley Dorr; granddaughter, Deanna Anderson; great-grandson, Robert Sam; aunt, Jennie Weyaus; and niece, Leslie Davis.

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Marge Anderson

April 21, 1932 - June 29, 2013