2nd - The Bad

Today we found out that afriend has passed on the the Good Lord. Mark Anderson, owner of Anderson Plant Farms in the town of Martell, died at 11:45 a.m., Friday, 12 days after he suffered a severe head injury in a fall at the family's home.

Here is a recap from the River Falls Journal Newspaper :
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Mark Anderson, owner of Anderson Plant Farms in the town of Martell, died at 11:45 a.m., Friday, 12 days after he suffered a severe head injury in a fall at the family's home.

Anderson, 49, had been in a medically-induced coma at Regions Hospital in St. Paul since he fell down some basement stairs late Sunday evening, Sept. 16th.

He suffered traumatic brain injury and a fractured skull, his eldest daughter, Danielle Erickson, said earlier this week. It was ultimately breathing difficulties that claimed his life, according to a statement posted by the family today on the Caring Bridge Web site.

According to the Web site, his funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at St. Mary's Parish (Big River Church) in River Falls with a 9:45 a.m. Rosary. A luncheon will follow the service in the Parish Hall.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, with 7:30 p.m. prayer service at O'Connell Funeral Home in Baldwin.

This spring the Andersons, who have 10 children, celebrated 25 years in the nursery business. A few years ago they added retail sales, making Anderson Plant Farms a popular stop for local gardeners.

Since the accident, family members made the decision not to try and operate the business next year because Mark Anderson was the main operator of the family-run greenhouse operation.

Meanwhile, the family stated that a plant sale was held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29. All remaining nursery stock will be on sale at 25 to 50 percent off.

Inventory includes perennials, shrubs, evergreens, shade, ornamental and fruit trees.

Horticulture staff will be present to share plant knowledge and design ideas. Directions

A benefit is also being organized to assist the family. Mike and Kristi O'Malley of Kilkarney Golf Course and Sittin' Valley Tree Farm will host a golf outing and auction on Sunday, Oct. 14.

The O'Malleys are looking for sponsors for the golf event and for items to auction or raffle. For information about that, call 426-5363.