Faye Alice (Barr) Anderson
Faye Anderson Obituary
October 30, 1927 ~ August 7, 2025 (age 97)
Faye Alice Anderson, age 97, of Brainerd, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by the love and warmth of her devoted family.
Faye was born on October 30, 1927, in Madison Lake, Minnesota, to Robert and Alice (Schmock) Barr. Her early years were marked by frequent moves, but her family eventually settled in Brainerd — a place she would come to call home for the rest of her life.
As a young woman during World War II, Faye contributed to the war effort by working in a munitions factory in Washington State, showing a spirit of strength and purpose that would carry her through life. In 1947, she married the love of her life, Joseph Anderson, and together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, resilience, and family. They raised seven children, and Faye poured her heart into motherhood. She was a devoted mom who found joy in cooking, gardening, and canning—her legendary applesauce bars will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of tasting them.
Faye had an unshakable belief in lifelong learning. Once her children were grown, she returned to school and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from St. Cloud State University. She began a second career as a behavioral analyst at the Brainerd State Hospital, where her gentle understanding and deep compassion helped change lives.
In retirement, Faye and Joe cherished their winters in Arizona and took great pleasure in exploring their many hobbies. A gifted artist and craftswoman, Faye’s hands were rarely still. She sewed, knitted, crocheted, painted in oils, shaped pottery, and even worked as a silversmith. She also loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing with Joe in their beloved homemade camper—a lovingly renovated school bus full of memories and adventure.
Faye will be remembered not only for her talents and accomplishments but for her quiet strength, her kind heart, and her unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, warmth, and grace.
She was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her children, Kathryn Fetzer; Joseph (Rita) Anderson, Brian (Julie) Anderson, Steve (Deborah) Anderson, Judy (Don) Fearn, Ardelle Anderson, and Jeff (Chris) Anderson; grandchildren, William “Beej” Joseph Fetzer, Jesica Linker, Jodi Conway, Bethany Anderson, Sarah Affias, Joe Anderson, and Jillian Anderson; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, eight siblings, and son-in-law, Bill Fetzer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour before Mass. There will also be a visitation on Tuesday (08/12) evening from 5-7 p.m. at Nelson–Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd.