Richard "Dick" Anderson

Richard Arthur Anderson, age 84, was born February 13, 1941, to David and Edith (Johnson) Anderson in Evansville, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm south of Evansville - a place he would one day return to, raise his own family, and proudly call home.

Dick was the youngest of four children. His childhood was filled with the simple joys of farm life, along with a few memorable misadventures, including a broken leg that kept him out of school for six weeks. Curious, energetic, and always busy, Dick made the most of each day. He participated in nearly every school activity and graduated from Evansville High School in 1959.

Dick worked for neighboring farmers and helped on the family farm before attending college at St. Cloud State. In 1963, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving first in the communications division in the United States and later in Germany as a battalion mail clerk. He was honorably discharged in 1966.

Following his military service, Dick worked at Western Electric in Minneapolis and later returned to Evansville in 1967 to join his brother Bob at Anderson Electric. Beginning in 1985, he worked with Gary at Quinn Construction. Throughout his career, Dick was respected for his skills, dependability, and strong work ethic.

While working at Western Electric, Dick met the love of his life, Susanne Happel. They were married on June 15, 1968, in Bemidji, Minnesota, beginning a devoted 57-year partnership rooted in love, teamwork, and a lifelong devotion to one another. They loved to travel together, visiting all but five states.

In 1973, Dick purchased his father’s farm, where he and Sue made their home. The farm was always full of activity, and Dick found deep joy in caring for the land and tending the farm he loved so dearly.

Family was at the heart of Dick’s life. He was a devoted husband and a deeply loving father who took great pride in his three daughters. His purpose was simple and unwavering: to celebrate and spend time with those he loved. Though he was passionate about sports - watching, playing, coaching, managing, and umpiring - nothing meant more to him than cheering on his daughters and grandchildren. For more than 45 years, he faithfully attended their games from their earliest days through college, always their biggest fan.

He was deeply committed to his church and community, serving as a member of Calvary Covenant Church and its church board; a volunteer firefighter with the Evansville Fire Department; a board member and past president of Gardonville Telephone Cooperative; a member of the Evansville School Board, the Evansville Community Club, Douglas County Planning Commission, Mound Grove Cemetery Board, and American Legion Post 188.

Dick went to see Jesus on January 9, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, following complications from medical procedures.

He is survived by his wife, Susanne Anderson; daughters Renata (Brady) Winters of Hudson, WI, Rachel (Rich) Rokala of St. Michael, MN, and Rosanne (Darren) Berg of Bemidji, MN; grandchildren Lauren Rokala of St. Louis Park, MN, Amanda (Micah) Smith of Murfreesboro, TN, Jacob Rokala of St. Michael, MN, and Megan and Logan Berg of Bemidji, MN; sister Margaret (Elton) Chatfield of West Covina, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Edith Anderson; sister Francis Gunberg and brother-in-law Dwight Gunberg; brother Robert Anderson; and sister-in-law Betty Anderson.

A Celebration of Life for Richard “Dick” Anderson will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Calvary Covenant Church in Evansville, Minnesota. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation beginning at 10:00am The service will be held at 12:00pm, followed by lunch.

Interment: Mound Grove Cemetery, Evansville, MN

Blessed be the memory of Richard Anderson

Funeral arrangements entrusted with the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.