1929 – Donald Edwin Anderson – 2019
Don Anderson was born on November 21, 1929, on the family farm in Skandia Township, Murray County to Edwin and Anna Koch Anderson. He grew up in Murray County and attended country school. On September 29, 1951, Don enlisted in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge on September 4, 1953, he returned to the family farm and began farming. On September 11, 1955, he and Janet Smith were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Balaton, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they remained on the farm in Lowville Township, Murray County. In 1963, they moved to Slayton and Don worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Don also owned and ran Don’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Repair. In 1967, they purchased the family farm and remained there until 2007 when they moved to Slayton, Minnesota. In January 2019, Don became a resident of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, Minnesota. Don passed away there on Thursday, November 28, 2019, at the age of 90. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton where he served on various committees, was an usher and served on the Church Board. Don was also a member of the Lake Wilson American Legion post, Ducks Unlimited and served on the Balaton Farmers Coop Board for 10 years. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, playing cards and collecting coins and toy tractors.
Survivors include his wife Janet Anderson, Slayton, MN; three children and their spouses: Michelle and Kerry Malmquist, Pequot Lakes, MN, Donald Jr. and Karlene Anderson, Plainfield, IL, and Randall and Keri Anderson, White Pigeon, MI; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers: Richard Anderson. Eagan, MN and Luverne Anderson, Champlin, MN; and one sister-in-law Martha Anderson, Fridley, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: John and Myron Anderson; one sister Lorraine and her husband Jerry Blamey and two sisters-in-law: Dorothy Anderson and Sharon Anderson.
Memorial services at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN on Friday, December 6, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dale Degner officiating. The organist is Gwen Degner with special music by Judy Laboda. The honorary pallbearers are Tyler Anderon, Bjorn Pearson, Joe Miller, Scott Schwartz, Mark Bonnstetter, Jason Miller and Richard Miller. A private interment is planned. Military honors accorded by the Lake Wilson American Legion Post. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 5, 2019, at Christ Lutheran Church from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
