Arnold Wallace "Wally" Anderson

Arnold Wallace "Wally" Anderson, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his devoted and loving family, at his East Mesa home on January 8, 2006. He was 91. Wally was the second of five children born to Emmanuel and Martha Anderson and was raised on a farm near Garrison, N. D. Wally had fond memories of his childhood on the farm but early on he realized that farming was not in his dreams. His parents did what they could but because of the demands on the family farm, Wally was not able to finish high school. Because of this he held a tremendous respect for education and a zest for knowledge, study, and challenges. He never stopped learning and was always interested in new ideas and new business opportunities. Wally loved his family, his many friends, his country, Arizona, traveling, and most of all his beloved wife, Agnes. He and Agnes enjoyed traveling together and visited all 50 states and countries including Mexico, Central America, Brazil, and Canada. They also enjoyed several cruises. In 1980 they moved "full time" from their native North Dakota to Mesa, where they had an active retirement with good friends and family. In fact, much of the family eventually followed them to Arizona. Wally's interest in travel began early, when at age 15 he and his brother Lloyd hopped a freight train and headed from North Dakota to Washington state to "make their fortune" picking apples. Unfortunately the apple business was not as "fruitful" as they had hoped and in a few weeks the boys returned to N.D. With the Depression of the 1930s there were no jobs available so Wally joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was sent to Arkansas. He sent his wages home to his mother to assist with family expenses and his siblings education. While serving with the CCC Wally studied, worked hard, and was promoted to assistant camp boss. He served 4 years in the CCC and saw much of the West during that time as well. In 1937, he returned to ND where he met and married Ruth Calkins. They operated several businesses including a grocery store, hardware store, and lumberyard while raising their 2 sons. Wally later entered the investment business, invested in land and build many apartments and condos in Bismarck, ND. Long hours, good business skills, and on going education contributed to the success of his business endeavors. Wally was so proud of the fact that his sons and all seven of his grandchildren finished college as well as advanced degrees. Wally was preceded in death by his brothers, Henry and LLoyd Anderson and Ruth Anderson. Wally will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Agnes; his sons, Terry Wallace Anderson, Bismarck, ND, and Richard D. Anderson (Trisha) of Scottsdale; seven grandchildren, Ellen (Bill) Hajek, Arlington Heights, IL, Gregory Wallace Anderson, St. Paul, MN, David L. Anderson, Scottsdale, Stephanie Anderson, St. Paul, MN., Kelly (Brad) Reifsteck, Golden Valley, MN., Steven (Katie) Anderson, Broomfield, CO., Jill J. Anderson, Scottsdale; 6 great grandchildren, Andrew and Caroline Hajek; Deven, Justin, and Jaden Reifsteck; Sawyer Wallace Anderson; two sisters, Margaret Glanville and Lilas Dangerfield of Mesa; stepchildren, Jane (Jerry) Curtis and Ray (Julie) Hendrickson of Clear Lake, MN., Nieces, Nephews, loving friends, and other extended family members. Visitation will be held at Melcher's Mortuaries Mission Chapel, 6625 East Main St., Mesa between 6 PM-8 PM on Thursday, Jan. 12. Funeral Service will be held at the Melcher Mission Chapel above on Friday, Jan. 13 at 11 AM. Wally's family expresses a heartfelt "Thank You" to Banner Hospice and donations may be made to Banner Hospice at 1325 N. Fiesta Blvd., Suite 1, Gilbert, AZ 85233.