Michaela Peggi Anderson

Michaela Peggi Anderson, better known as “Nana” to those closest to her, passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter on October 5, 2023, at the age of 57 after battling breast cancer like a true warrior for over 10 years.

Michaela was born March 17, 1966 in Bitburg, Germany. She moved to Hawley, Minnesota in March of 1969, where she lived until moving to Wisconsin in 1981. She stayed in Wisconsin until moving back to the Hawley, Minnesota area in 1988, where she remained until she passed.

Michaela always lived life on her terms, which did not always make things easy for her. She was a free spirit, saw the beauty in nature and embraced adventure. When life brought her challenges, she would find her way beyond them and move forward. The perseverance she displayed throughout her cancer journey is admired, and when life gets tough, will serve as a motivator. She was one tough and determined woman.

She loved her children and grandchildren more than anything. Although it was commented often that Jake was her favorite, she definitely had a very special, close relationship with each of them. Her “Little Ladies” (Morgan, Elliana, Aubree) brought a smile to her face right up until her passing.

Most of her working life was spent in warehouse and inventory control positions at various companies. She took great pride in her jobs and was recognized by coworkers for her drive, accomplishments, and sarcastic sense of humor. Some of us were a little concerned when they allowed her to drive a forklift, but she mastered that like a boss and was very proud of that achievement.

She was an avid reader, reading every Stephen King book she could get her hands on. Jordan, her “mini me” sidekick, shares her passion for reading among many other things they had in common. She enjoyed horror movies, “farming” on her phone, and hanging out with the people she loved. She had a knack for finding unique items and doctoring them up to decorate her home. She was also an excellent cook. It took Jessica just a few years to catch up, but now cooks as well or better (so Jess says) than her mom.

She is survived by her parents, Anni (Bruce) Miller, Adams, Wisconsin. Curtis (Rachel) Anderson, Hawley, Minnesota. Her children, Jessica (Cole) Carlson, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Jordan (Jonah) Anderson, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Jake Anderson, Moorhead, Minnesota, Mitchell (Lori) Leno, Bismarck, North Dakota. Her sisters, Cathy Anderson, Hawley, Minnesota, Tracy (Dan) Delmore, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and her brother, Peter (Melanie) Friedrich, Frankfurt, Germany. Her grandchildren Morgan, Elliana, Aubree, Stella and Anderson. Several nieces, nephews, and additional family around the world.

Michaela has requested that no formal service be held. She would prefer a celebration of life to be held for friends and family. A date for that will be shared future.