Obituary for Kenneth Anderson
Kenneth G. Anderson, age 84, of Strandburg, SD, entered into Heaven ending a courageous fight against Alzheimers on December 3rd 2021 at the Lake Norden Care Center.
Kenneth was born on January 13th 1937, to George and Effie Anderson in Watertown, SD and was raised in Strandburg. He graduated from Strandburg High School in1955 and joined the U.S. Navy in the fall of 1955.
He devoted 4 years of service and was honorably discharged on September 3rd 1959. Following his discharge he married the love of his life, Darla Elaine Bren (Anderson) on June 25th 1960, and they settled down in Strandburg, SD to start their family.
The family moved to Watertown, SD where he began his career as an hourly production worker with Minnesota Rubber in 1966. He was promoted to general manager in 1971 until his retirement in 1991. He also managed and operated Professional Mailing and Marketing, Dakota Style Chips, and wrapped up his career at Terex. After his retirement Ken and Darla moved to the family farm in Strandburg to enjoy their family.
Ken was a beloved member of the community and generously served in many leadership positions including the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for six years, the Watertown Community Recreation Board for seven years, the Grace Lutheran Church Board of Deacons, and the Employer Support of National Guard and Reserve State Committee for six years. He also received the Watertown Jaycees “Boss of the Year” award in 1972 and achieved many other leadership and management accomplishments in the community.
Kenneth loved the country life and could often be found in the garden, on his lawnmower, or next to a bonfire. He was an animal lover who enjoyed his horses, dogs, and cats. He loved anything sports related especially the Vikings, Twins, and Notre Dame, rarely missing a game. Spending time with his family and being involved in their lives and sharing their accomplishments was the highlight of his time here on earth, especially that of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Kenneth was a friend to all with a smile and sense of humor that was contagious. He was always able to fire out a witty comeback to lighten the mood and make you smile when times were tough.
More than anything, Kenneth will be remembered for his patience, huge heart of gold, being a devoted family man who instilled that “Can't never did anything” in our hearts and was a dear friend to many.
Grateful to have shared in his life are his daughter, Jaci Wolfe and her husband Brent of Claire City SD; sons, Marcus Anderson of Watertown SD, Steven Anderson of Watertown SD, and Brent Anderson and his wife Marilyn of Rosemount MN; 8 grandchildren, Brandon (Kellie) Johnson, Kirsten (Tim) Lee, Kelsey (Leigh) Hansen, McKenzie Fjelland and friend Corey, Nolan, Hazel, Maizie and Bryn Anderson; 5 great grandchildren, Keegan, Tayson, Breayah, Jaxon, and Lylah; siblings, Shirley (Al) Robish of Strandburg, Carol (Bruce) Fisher of Iowa City, IA, and Vernon (Jan) Anderson of Carrington, ND; a son-in-law, Tony Grieshaber; and many nieces and nephews.
Patiently awaiting his arrival in Heaven are his wife of 59 years Darla, daughter Teresa Anderson Grieshaber, parents Effie and George Anderson, and his sister Jean Anderson.
Visitation will be held at Wight and Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Monday, December 6th 2021 from 5-7 pm.
A Memorial service will be held at Tabor Lutheran Church in Strandburg, SD, on Tuesday December 7th 2021 at 1pm, with a light meal immediately following.
The family requests cards be sent to the family of Kenneth Anderson, PO Box 207, Claire City, SD 57224.
Arrangements by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, www.wightandcomes.com.
Kenneth was born on January 13th 1937, to George and Effie Anderson in Watertown, SD and was raised in Strandburg. He graduated from Strandburg High School in1955 and joined the U.S. Navy in the fall of 1955.
He devoted 4 years of service and was honorably discharged on September 3rd 1959. Following his discharge he married the love of his life, Darla Elaine Bren (Anderson) on June 25th 1960, and they settled down in Strandburg, SD to start their family.
The family moved to Watertown, SD where he began his career as an hourly production worker with Minnesota Rubber in 1966. He was promoted to general manager in 1971 until his retirement in 1991. He also managed and operated Professional Mailing and Marketing, Dakota Style Chips, and wrapped up his career at Terex. After his retirement Ken and Darla moved to the family farm in Strandburg to enjoy their family.
Ken was a beloved member of the community and generously served in many leadership positions including the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for six years, the Watertown Community Recreation Board for seven years, the Grace Lutheran Church Board of Deacons, and the Employer Support of National Guard and Reserve State Committee for six years. He also received the Watertown Jaycees “Boss of the Year” award in 1972 and achieved many other leadership and management accomplishments in the community.
Kenneth loved the country life and could often be found in the garden, on his lawnmower, or next to a bonfire. He was an animal lover who enjoyed his horses, dogs, and cats. He loved anything sports related especially the Vikings, Twins, and Notre Dame, rarely missing a game. Spending time with his family and being involved in their lives and sharing their accomplishments was the highlight of his time here on earth, especially that of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Kenneth was a friend to all with a smile and sense of humor that was contagious. He was always able to fire out a witty comeback to lighten the mood and make you smile when times were tough.
More than anything, Kenneth will be remembered for his patience, huge heart of gold, being a devoted family man who instilled that “Can't never did anything” in our hearts and was a dear friend to many.
Grateful to have shared in his life are his daughter, Jaci Wolfe and her husband Brent of Claire City SD; sons, Marcus Anderson of Watertown SD, Steven Anderson of Watertown SD, and Brent Anderson and his wife Marilyn of Rosemount MN; 8 grandchildren, Brandon (Kellie) Johnson, Kirsten (Tim) Lee, Kelsey (Leigh) Hansen, McKenzie Fjelland and friend Corey, Nolan, Hazel, Maizie and Bryn Anderson; 5 great grandchildren, Keegan, Tayson, Breayah, Jaxon, and Lylah; siblings, Shirley (Al) Robish of Strandburg, Carol (Bruce) Fisher of Iowa City, IA, and Vernon (Jan) Anderson of Carrington, ND; a son-in-law, Tony Grieshaber; and many nieces and nephews.
Patiently awaiting his arrival in Heaven are his wife of 59 years Darla, daughter Teresa Anderson Grieshaber, parents Effie and George Anderson, and his sister Jean Anderson.
Visitation will be held at Wight and Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Monday, December 6th 2021 from 5-7 pm.
A Memorial service will be held at Tabor Lutheran Church in Strandburg, SD, on Tuesday December 7th 2021 at 1pm, with a light meal immediately following.
The family requests cards be sent to the family of Kenneth Anderson, PO Box 207, Claire City, SD 57224.
Arrangements by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, www.wightandcomes.com.