Obituary

KIRSTEN HELENE ANDERSEN, 87 ROCKFORD - Kirsten Helene Andersen, 87, of Rockford, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2015. Born on March 18, 1927, in Ronne, Bornholm, Denmark, daughter of Hans Andreas and Jenny (Holm) Folkmann. She married Karl A. Andersen August 7, 1948, in Nylars Church in Bornholm, Denmark. Married over 67 years, Kirsten preceded Karl in death by only three days, he passed away Sunday, January 4. Kirsten had been a librarian and the secretary to the Police Chief in Ronne, Bornholm. They moved to Rockford, IL in 1952. She was a member of the Harmony Singing Society and a 50 year member of the Danish Sisterhood. Kirsten loved being with her family, providing Danish sandwiches to any and all who stopped by, teaching us all the Danish traditions and recipes, dancing with Karl to their favorite song, Sweet Caroline, and making sure we were all dressed warmly and wearing our undershirts. She was loved so much and will be deeply missed by all. Survivors include children, John (Bonnie) Andersen, Jim (Annette) Andersen and Teresa (Thomas) Tomblinson; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great- grandchildren. Predeceased by parents and brother, John Folkmann. Private services for Kirsten and Karl will be held at their request. A celebration of their lives will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, at the Harmony Singing Society, 1104 15th Avenue, Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State Street, Rockford, IL 61102 or The Salvation Army, 1706 18th Avenue, Rockford, IL 61104. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services. To share a memory or send a condolence, visit olsonfh.com.