Rae Landesberg

Rae Landesberg passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at LB Broen Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Rae was born in Northfield, Minnesota on November 20, 1948, to Eleanor and Herman (Andy) Anderson. The family moved to Dixon, Illinois, in the mid-1950s, and their home became the center of activity and hospitality for Anderson friends and much of the community. Rae was the oldest of the five Anderson siblings. She graduated from Dixon High School in 1967, and went on to Central College in Pella, Iowa.

Rae spent a summer working in Maine with college friends from there. She loved the whole vibe; the beaches, the lobster, the people. Maine felt like home to her. After a college student exchange adventure in Yucatan, Rae completed her college degree in social work, then traveled the country with friends. She finally moved permanently to Maine. Rae loved politics, and helped on several campaigns. She worked at a number of interesting jobs in the service industry and non-profit sector. It was a rich and varied time, and never dull.

In the late 1970's, Rae met Rich Landesberg, who was just starting his first commercial radio gig at a small station in Brunswick, Maine. They hit it off, got married, moved to Washington D.C., and then to L.A. Rich says they shared a lot in the decade they were together. "Rae introduced me to the music of Chicago's Steve Goodman, Jerry Jeff Walker, Willie Nelson, and others. She showed me the traditions of small town, Midwestern protestants. I showed her the traditions of suburban, New York Jews. We found the culture clash to be amusing and we remained friends with many of our "outlaws" (former in-laws) long after our marriage ended."

Rae loved music and progressive politics. She was smart and wryly funny, and kind. Rae had a big heart, and always stood up for those who were getting the short end of the stick. She was a reader; well-informed, articulate, and always up for a reasoned discussion of important issues.

Rae moved back to Maine after her split with Richard, and settled once more into her dear and familiar Portland, with its beaches, music, artists, and poets. She worked for United Way and in local politics. During this time, Rae's parents moved to Red Wing, Minnesota, to retire near another daughter and her family.

Eventually, Rae left Portland to come to Minnesota and care for her mother following her father's death. They lived in a retirement building, and Rae often helped with special events on the 9th floor for the residents, honoring birthdays, holidays, and even the Kentucky Derby. (And yes, there was betting.) Rae's presence and care in her mother's last years were invaluable.

After her mother died, Rae came to live in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to live near her brother and his family. This, too, is a community filled with the arts and music. Rae made some good friends, and had a cozy apartment overlooking the Otter Tail River.

Rae was preceded in death by her parents, Herman (Andy) and Eleanor Anderson. She is survived by her brothers, Robert (Susan) Anderson and Thomas (Clare) Anderson, and her twin sisters, Margaret (Doug) Hipple and Elizabeth (Brian) Bowman, two nieces, two nephews, a great-niece and two great-nephews.

A private family celebration of Rae's life will be held at a later date.

Rae loved animals, and always had a cat or two. A fitting memorial for Rae would be a donation to the humane society of your choosing. And support your local artists and musicians.

And vote.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com