Laura Anderson Obituary

Laura Lu (Offerman) Anderson

September 26, 1940 - January 18, 2026

Laura Lu (Offerman) Anderson, 85, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24,2026, at Ss. Mary & Mathias Catholic Church. The Reverend Jason Crossen will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. A Rosary will be held following the visitation. Memorials may be made to Ss. Mary & Mathias Catholic Church or the Flickinger Learning Center. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

Laura Lu Offerman was born on September 26, 1940, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Albert L. and Violet L. (Sebelien) Offerman. Laura Lu graduated from the Villa de Chantal and later received her bachelors degree in physical education from Marycrest College. She was united in marriage to Judd Anderson on August 1, 1970, at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa.

Laura started her teaching career at Muscatine High School, where she taught physical education. During that time she was the cheerleading and girls' tennis coach and also led the Girls' Recreation Association. Later, Laura taught in multiple capacities at the Hayes Catholic Elementary. Her love of sports extended to her children and grandchildren, where she could always be found in the stands, cheering them on with pride and unwavering love. She supported her husband's coaching career and as part of her commitment to Muskie Athletics she was one of the original coordinators of the annual cake auction.

Laura was a member of the Ss. Mary and Mathias Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters. She was led by faith, supporting the Catholic Church through her participation in bingo, the Hayes bazaar, noodle making, arranging funeral luncheons and the knitting group.

Laura is survived by her husband, Judd; children, Sarah Anderson (Meg Schebler), Erika Anderson (Cindy Bowers), Ellen Carey (Tim Safley), and Jacob Anderson (Melissa); grandchildren Jaden Carey, Ragan Heisner (Eric), Everett Anderson and Kenna Anderson; great granddaughter Heisner due in April; and several nieces and nephews.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents; brother, David R. Offerman (Patricia 'Willie'); brothers-in-law, Fred Anderson (Liz) and Steve Anderson (Lorrie); and in-laws, Everett and Ethel Anderson.