Wilma Anderson

Wilma Carroll Duncan Anderson, 82, of Monroe, Wisconsin, passed away on November 14, 2024 after a short battle with Lewy Body’s Disease. Her oldest child, Rob, faithfully stayed by her side during her last days and through her final moments as she peacefully passed away.

Wilma was born on April 3, 1942 to William Byrd Duncan and Annie Lagathia Goss, in Coal City, West Virginia. As was customary for the time, she was delivered at home by a midwife – specifically her grandmother, Charlotta Goss. The 2nd oldest of 7 children, Wilma talked often about spending her childhood days outside climbing trees with her siblings and cousins and eating apples pulled from nearby trees (or whatever else they could find growing in the yard or woods). The bond and love she and her siblings shared remained strong throughout her lifetime. She always talked fondly of her sisters and brothers and could remember the birthdays of every single one of her nieces and nephews.

When Wilma graduated high school in 1960, she took a bus to Chicago, where jobs were easy to come by and furnished rooms were rented by the week, and she took enjoyment in changing jobs and apartments frequently. Wilma thrived in city life, the hustle and bustle, and excitement of new experiences, including singing under the stage name “Carolyn Dunn.” She even won first prize in a radio competition in Indiana. Wilma met Arnold, her husband, through mutual friends in Chicago when they were 20 and they later married at 25. Their marriage lasted for 42 years until Arnold’s death in 2010.

Arnold and Wilma worked together in the family real estate business where Wilma did the bookkeeping for the properties. They went on many adventures, and later, they had 3 children, Rob (48), Tina (47), and Kathy (45)--all born within 3 ½ years. Arnold’s dream of living on a farm and desire to raise children in a quieter environment meant they eventually moved to a dairy farm in Monroe, Wisconsin in 1985. While farming, Wilma helped care for the calves, chickens, and pigs and made breakfasts and dinners for the hired men (and family) while also continuing to support their real estate business in Chicago. Wilma would often compare this new adventure to the movie “Funny Farm.” There was a lot to learn and mistakes were made. They sold the farm in 1996 and moved into a house designed by Arnold on the top of the hill. Wilma enjoyed the open space, the quiet, and the views from her kitchen window where she would read, do bookwork, and drink her coffee. Wilma never expected she would spend the rest of her life there, but the solid friendships she had made in town made it hard for her to even consider leaving.

People will remember Wilma as someone “about to travel soon.” In her later years, she traveled often to see her brothers, sisters, and children – all who were spread across the country. Her favorite trips, though, were to visit her 11 grandchildren. She was so proud and loved each and every one of them, enjoying the uniqueness which made each one special.

Wilma was a loving, generous, fun, wise, and independent woman with a spark, who will be missed by so many.

Wilma was predeceased by her parents, Byrd and Lagathia Duncan, her husband, Arnold, her brother Garrell Duncan and her sister Edith Shields. Wilma is survived by her brother Bob Duncan (Pat Duncan) and three sisters, Judy Powers (Don Powers), Charlotte Hardin, and Teresa Akers (Dean Akers), her children Rob Anderson (Mary Anderson), Tina Anderson (Nathan Ophardt), and Kathy Anderson (Margot Fornes), and her grandchildren Toby Fornes (19), Bridget Fornes (17), Rosalie Anderson (14), Henry Fornes (13), Eloise Anderson (13), Hanna Ophardt (11), Libby Fornes (11), Beatrice Anderson (10), Lucia Ophardt (8), Michael Anderson (6), and Joseph Anderson (3).

A celebration of life will take place in the spring in Monroe. More details to follow. In remembrance of Wilma, the family requests donations be made to your favorite cause or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.