Wrenshall Community Hosts Memorial For 11-Year-Old Resident

WRENSHALL, Minn. — It’s been nearly a week since 11-year-old Avery Anderson was struck and killed by a passing car while riding her bike and, on the eve of her celebration of life, her hometown came together to remember their vibrant, young neighbor.

The memorial, which was hosted at the Wrenshall General Store in the middle of town, saw hundreds of people from around the area come and support the Anderson family, many of which wearing purple, Avery’s favorite color.

There was food being served, silent raffles to be won, and a sense of a community coming together to embrace one of their own.

“I mean, I’ve had phone calls from a lot of people, a lot of places, a lot of people donating decent amounts of money and time. Some people don’t have a lot of money, so they have to donate their time to work just to help us, because without with just us, this would not have happened.” said Wrenshall mayor, and co-owner of the Wrenshall General Store, Jeff Bloom.

Folks turned up from far and wide, because that’s just how big of an impact Avery had on everyone she met.

“When she would come in the store, she was always pleasant, not a single issue with her at all, and always smiling, but pleasant,” said General Store Co-owner, and Jeff’s wife, Liz, who was instrumental in bringing the event into fruition.

“(She always said) ‘Please, thank you.’ She was just…”

“Beautiful,” said her husband.

“-and like we’ve been saying, Wrenshall now has their own Angel,” finished Mrs. Bloom.

A celebration of Avery’s life will be taking place at SonLife Community Church on Saturday, Sep. 12, with visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.