Gordon Anderson

Funeral Service for Gordon W. Anderson, 96, of Wheaton, Minnesota was held on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 10:30 A.M. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Rev. Suzanne Benidt officiating. Pallbearers were Gordon Zibell, Dennis Klugman, Eddie Madsen, Alan Petersen, Donn Oscarson, and Troy Fridgen. Honorary Pallbearers were Wendell Kopperud, Mitch Tolpingrud, Earl Davison, Frank Finke, Gene Fridgen, John Rose, and All members of the Augustana Lutheran Church . Organist was Edelle Magnuson. Visitation was Tuesday, October 11, from 5:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Ranney Funeral Home in Wheaton, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment was in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton. The Ranney Funeral Home of Wheaton, Minnesota was in charge of arrangements. Gordon was born on October 5, 1909, the son of Swan and Minnie (Larson) Anderson in a farmhouse north of Wheaton, Minnesota. He later purchased this same house and surrounding farm land from his uncle Oscar Larson, and lived there for nearly 50 years where he raised his family. Gordon spoke Swedish for his first several years until learning English in school. He was the oldest of eleven children and attended country school through eighth grade in Monson Township (The county schoolhouse he attended is on display at the Traverse County historical society in Wheaton). Beginning at an early age, he took responsibility seriously and helped to operate the family farm. In the depression years, Gordon joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked in Utah and northern Minnesota. He always sent half of his wages home to his parents to help support his large family of brothers and sisters. Gordon married Elsie (Davison) Anderson on December 8, 1945 in Tintah, Minnesota (son Gary and his wife Pam were married in the same church some 25 years later). Gordon and Elsie made their home in Monson Township. He farmed and raised cattle until his retirement in the early 70s. Gordons special hobbies after retirement included watching the cattle, checking fences, feeding cats, and worrying. Elsie passed away on January 10, 1993. Gordon continued to live on the farm helping where he could. He moved to the Traverse Care Center in November of 2002. Gordon enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, watching Twins baseball and visiting new places. A life long dream was fulfilled when he and Elsie drove the Alaskan highway in 1972. This was the first of many trips to Alaska. He was able to venture north of the Arctic circle to visit Prudhoe Bay and Barrow. Later, several winters were spent in California with Harlan and Bonnie. Gordon had a special appreciation for music and played guitar in his younger years. He also had a unique gift with words and enjoyed writing stories and poetry. This is where his sense of humor was often reflected. Gordon loved babies and some of his happiest times throughout the years were spent sitting and holding his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gordon was a lifelong and dedicated member of Augustana Lutheran Church in White Rock, South Dakota. Gordon passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2005 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton, Minnesota. Surviving family includes: Son Harlan and wife Bonnie of Hanford, California, Son Gary and wife Pam of rural Wheaton, Minnesota, Daughter Audrey Dewan and husband Steve of Anchorage, Alaska, Grandchildren: Kimberly Anderson "Lloyd and husband Andrew of Las Vegas, Nevada, Collin Anderson of Fargo, North Dakota, Michelle Yost and husband Gary of rural Wheaton, Minnesota, Justin and Bennett Dewan of Anchorage, Alaska, Liz and Greg Stanton of Hanford, California, Great-Grandchildren: Parker and Shayna Yost; and Bailey and Brandi Anderson, Sisters: Geneva Grothe, Rosella Goodwalt, and Pearl Berneking and Brothers: Webber and his wife Lois, Darwin and his wife Donna all of Wheaton, Minnesota, Sister-in-law, Mary Anderson of Morris, Minnesota, Brother-in-law Earl and wife Delores Davison of Alexandria, Minnesota, and numerous nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Swan and Minnie, beloved wife Elsie, brothers Glenn (Allie) and Wallace, and sisters Bernice Paul, Doris Fridgen and Donna Finke. Were sorry that we lost him, But we will remember this; He isnt really lost When you know exactly where he is.