Julia M. (Swanson) Anderson

Julia M. (Swanson) Anderson, 93, died peacefully at Edgewood in Virginia on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025.

Julia was born January 22nd, 1932, in Cloverland, WI, to Edward and Hilja (Ahola) Mikkola. She attended school at N.P. Johnson and Waino Schools. She was in the 1st graduating class of Northwestern High School in 1950.

Julia was a hard worker and ran a dairy farm with her 1st husband, George Luoma.

Julia loved gardening and plants. In 1968, she and husband, Earl Swanson, bought the former Janzen's Greenhouse on Highway 53, south of Eveleth. They turned a closed business into Swanson Greenhouse which thrived with Julia's love of plants for many years.

After Earls passing in 1985, Julia sold the greenhouse and moved to Melrude. In 1989, she married Elmer Anderson.

Julia was very proud of her Finnish heritage. She also loved all of her pets, and sewing.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Earl Swanson and Elmer Anderson; brother, Richard Mikkola; brothers-in-law, Jim Swanson and Clifford Mattson; and nephews, James Swanson and Cameron Mattson.

Julia is survived by her son, Edward Luoma; sisters, Anna Swanson and Mary Mattson; sister-in-law, Bertha Mikkola; nephews, Walter and Chris; niece, Liz; step-children, Steve Anderson and Sandy Simek; several step-grandchildren; and special friends: Gerri Caple, Ron Saukko, and Bruce Dagen.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 24th, 2025, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Melrude Town Hall.

Interment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, Minn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Mesabi Humane Society in Virginia, Minn.