Michael Anthony Aanderud

Michael Anthony Aanderud, 69, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, at Hospice of the Valley in Tempe, AZ, following a brief illness.  He was born January 14, 1956, in Oakland, CA, to Rodger and Elizabeth Aanderud.

Mike’s early years were spent in Churchs Ferry, ND, before he graduated from high school in Michigan, ND, in 1974.  Even at a young age, Mike demonstrated a commitment to service and his community, becoming a founding member of the Michigan Ambulance Service and North Dakota’s youngest EMT at the time.  Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1975 to 1979.

His dedication to precision and detail continued into his civilian career.  From 1979 to 1983, he worked as a helicopter mechanic at Bell Helicopter in Amarillo, TX, before embarking on a long and distinguished career as an Experimental Flight Test Inspector on the Apache AH-64 helicopter.  He held this position at Hughes Aircraft, later McDonnell Douglas, and finally Boeing in Mesa, AZ, retiring in 2016.  His work ethic and commitment to excellence were hallmarks of his professional life.

Mike will be deeply missed by his surviving sister, Donna (Allan) Popowski of Devils Lake, ND; sister, Amanda (Chuck) Perkins of Vancouver, WA; and brother, Lee Aanderud of Lexington, SC. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Alicia (Josh) Thompson, Derek (Molly) Popowski, Mikala Perkins, and Corey Perkins; and great-nieces and nephew, Alex Popowski, Ella Thompson, and Owen Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Arlene Aanderud.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Mike’s co-workers, friends, and neighbors for their kindness, support, and visits during his time at hospice. Their compassion brought him comfort in his final days.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 31, 2025 the Viking Lutheran Church cemetery, rural Maddock, ND. Military Honors will be provided by the Theodore A. Togstad American Legion Post #123 of Maddock, the Robert Tovsrud VFW Post #757 of Harlow and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Michael’s name to the Michigan Area Ambulance Service in Michigan, ND, or a charity of your choice.