Oliver Anderson

Oliver “Ollie” Newton Anderson was born on October 13, 1922 in Holmes City Township to Ole and Emma (Swenson) Anderson. He went to Pocket Lake country school and attained perfect attendance for the entire 8 years he went to school. Ollie helped his brothers on the farm and then enlisted into the United States Army Air Corp. He worked as a mechanic on a variety of planes throughout his time in the Air Corp. While Ollie was on a leave from the service he met Irene Joslin at the Garden Center Bowling Alley where she was a waitress. They quickly fell in love and were united in marriage on November 4, 1944 at the air base in San Markus, TX. To this union five children were born Jane, Earl, Lloyd, Marlene, and Arlene. After the war, Ollie moved back to Alexandria and took a job as an auto mechanic. In 1955, he opened Ollie’s Service which is still in business in the same location today. Ollie and Irene raised their family in Alexandria and enjoyed watching their family of seven grow with marriages, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Irene became ill with Leukemia in 1992 and died after three months on June 28, 1992. Ollie had gotten reacquainted with Joyce Kunde in 1993 while she lived in the twin cities. After an occasional visit and many conversations Joyce moved back to Alexandria and together they became soul mates. They pledged their vows to each other on July 24 1993. Ollie and Joyce have since spent every moment enjoying each other’s families and life together. They also were known to enjoy a good garage sale and an episode of “Wheel of Fortune”. The life of Ollie Anderson was full of love, hard work, and enjoying his time with family and friends. He was a loving husband and father, a teacher to his children and grandchildren, and a man with a quick wit, good sense of humor and a sharp mind. He was an entrepreneur, instrumental in his community, and was a faithful man to his God and country. He had many things on his “Bucket List” crossed off including attending the Honor Flight to Washington DC with other WWII and Korean Veterans who were honored for their service to their country. He recently took his first fishing trip to Canada and caught a nice walleye. Ollie always looked forward to his family reunions lovingly nicknamed the “Annual Anderson Argument”. Ollie also had a number of hobbies that he enjoyed during his retirement. He made “Pop Can Tractors” which won 1st Place ribbons at the local county fair and restored pedal cars and tractors. Ollie was instrumental in starting Vintage Car Club and Douglas Area Trails Association. He was also a life-long member of Calvary Lutheran Church and the Morning Lions. Oliver “Ollie” Anderson died on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 92 years old. He is survived by life partner Joyce Kunde-Anderson of Alexandria; sons Earl (Sonya) Anderson of Alexandria and Lloyd (Mary) Anderson of Maple Grove, MN; daughters Jane Bunting of Clearwater, MN, Marlene Dunn of Winnipeg, Canada, and Arlene (Bruce) Hafner of Barney, ND; 3 step children; 11 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 4 step great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Myrtle Slinde of Hazen, ND, Hazel Warner of Long Prairie, MN, and Ada Anderson of Alexandria; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Oliver was preceded in death by his parents Ole and Emma Anderson, wife Irene Anderson, son-in-law Rodney Bunting, and brothers Roosevelt, Edwin, Francis, Clarence, and Norman. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church with the Reverend Hans Dahl officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at the Anderson Funeral Home from 4-7PM and also for one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment will be in Van Loon Cemetery. Casket Bearers are Ollie’s grandchildren Terry Anderson, Bryan Anderson, Jodi Anderson, Jayme Anderson, Ryan Bunting, Rita Gotsopoulos, Mark Ratajesak Jr., Cory Allison, Dillon Allison, Jeremy Anderson, and Alyssa Anderson. Honorary Casket Bearers are Ollie’s great grandchildren, step children, step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren, Morning Lions, Vintage Car Club, and the Douglas Area Trails Association. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net