Gloria L. Anderson

Gloria Luella Anderson (Jensen), age 91, of Eau Claire peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at The Classic at Hillcrest Greens in Altoona with family at her side. Gloria was born on November 2nd, 1934, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota to Chester and Luella Jensen. Gloria lived in Sleepy Eye until the age of four when her family moved to Eau Claire. She started kindergarten that fall since she “was tall enough” to attend, eventually graduating from Eau Claire High School in 1952. She then attended UW- Eau Claire to receive her Education Degree.

Gloria always had an adventurous nature and loved to travel. While in college, she spent a summer working at Glacier National Park as a Harvey GIrl, hiking and exploring the area. While attending UWEC she met Ken, the love of her life, in a Phy Ed class and “fell for the guy on crutches”. They were married on July 7th, 1956. The two taught and moved to many cities around the Midwest before settling in Eau Claire.

Gloria’s involvement in her community was evident beyond her passion for teaching. She was the administrator for Ken’s UWEC Badger Basketball Camp for 31 years and volunteered on the Executive Board for the United Way, Eau Claire Service League, PEO Chapter BE, and Trinity Lutheran Church. Gloria had many interests, including bridge club, golf, tennis, piano, and singing. She was the envy of many with her four hole-in-one’s over the years. Gloria’s heart truly beat for her friends and family. She was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother, both to those she was related to by blood and to those she chose. In true “mother” form, she wasn’t happy until everyone in her charge was well fed and cared for, earning the reputation as the surrogate mother for many of Ken’s basketball players. Her grandchildren were especially cherished; she never missed a ball game or a dance recital and was quick to brag about all of their accomplishments.

In retirement, Gloria and Ken relished 25 years wintering in Peoria, Arizona at Westbrook Village enjoying golf, entertaining, and cultivating a multitude of friendships. Unsurprisingly,their door was always open to visitors and friends. Even during her difficult final years battling Alzheimer’s, one could always see her kind, caring,and loving personality shining through.

Gloria’s surviving family members include: Ken Anderson, her husband of 69 years; her children Jeff (Diane) Anderson of Burnsville, MN, and Wendy (Jeff) Stoik of Eau Claire; her grandchildren Georgie (Sam) Anderson, and Connor and Mason Stoik; her great-granddaughter, Dolly Anderson; and her sister in-laws Geri Geary and Betty Wilson. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her grandson, Max Anderson, and her siblings, Garth and Gary Jensen. She was also preceded by her brother/sister in-laws Bill Geary, Leon Wilson, Vonnie Jensen, and Bob & Nancy Anderson.

A memorial service for Gloria will take place at 2 pm on Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at the Hulke Family Funeral Home with Pastor Patrick Patterson officiating. Memorial visitation will take place that day at the funeral home from 12 pm until the time of service. Gloria’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at The Classic at Hillcrest Greens Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice for their love, kindness, and care they provided. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to United Way Greater Chippewa Valley and Trinity Lutheran Church.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangement.