Brian Anderson

Brian Wayne Anderson, age 45, of Gregory, South Dakota, passed away at the Avera Gregory Healthcare Center on September 2, 2022, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with Metastatic Melanoma. Brian was born on February 18, 1977, in Billings, Montana to Walter (Wally) and Cindy Anderson. He joined sister Shelly. Before entering the third grade, Brian and his family moved home to Gregory, South Dakota. He was a member of the 1995 graduating class of Gregory High School. During his school age years, he was very involved in sports and developed a deep love for the Miami Hurricanes, Indiana Hoosiers, Chicago Bulls, and especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs. After graduating high school, Brian attended Mitchell Technical Institute powerline program and Southeast Technical Institute for business administration.
After school, Brian worked for HSBC Bank as a settlement specialist for ten years. He obtained his real estate broker license, that began his career in the Sioux Falls area from 2007 until 2020, working for HJN Team Real Estate initially and then, Hegg Realtor's, Inc. as a broker associate. In the spring of 2014, Brian and two partners began their own business venture of Party Bikes Sioux Falls and brought the Sip-n-Cycle bikes to the city. Brian was an owner and hands on manager of this successful entertainment business. Although involved in his career, Brian always made time for his mom, Cindy and sister Shelly and brother-in-law Jay and family. He was an integral part of his niece, Madison, and nephews, Justis & Anders growing up always attending important events in their lives and cheering them on in their accomplishments.
In addition to his real estate and business career, Brian gave 28 years of service to the South Dakota Army National Guard. He ended his career as a member of the 196 MEB at the rank of Sergeant Major. His military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service in Africa, Army Commendation Medal (5 OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (7th award), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Development Ribbon (5), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, South Dakota Distinguished Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and 2003 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. He truly cared for the men and women in our armed forces and was proud of his service to our country.
In 2019, Brian married the love of his life, Sara (Miller) Klein and became the bonus dad to Keeley, Kaydence and Jacob. He quickly and easily transitioned into these roles and embarked in the unknown for a new career, wife, kids, and country living moving back to his roots in Gregory. During this time, he worked for First Fidelity Bank in Colome, South Dakota as a loan officer. He loved this life and embraced his role of husband and bonus dad.
To friends and family, he was a constant source of optimism with a positive "can-do" attitude, who was always up for an adventure and loved his life beyond measure until his last breath. Brian was a natural born leader who emulated a confident presence that people looked to for guidance and level-headed opinions. He led by example with integrity. His character was immeasurable. Using his strength of humility, to not focus on his own accomplishments, but instead bringing all his focus to other people and their values. His service above self in the military was a prime example of Brian's humility and dedication.
Brian was preceded in death by his father Walter (Wally) Anderson, paternal grandparents: Cecil and Arlene Anderson, maternal grandparents: Clifford and Marie Phillips, and father-in-law Nelson Miller.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Anderson and bonus children, Keeley, Kaydence and Jacob Klein of Gregory; mother, Cindy Anderson of Sioux Falls; sister and brother-in-law Shelly & Jay Clayton of Sioux Falls; niece Madison husband Ben and Baby Girl Fuhr of Tuscon, AZ; nephews Justis and Anders of Sioux Falls; mother-in law, Sally Miller of Gregory; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sonya & Scott Zimbelman and nephews Mac, Mitch & Myles of Gregory; grandmother-in-law Evelynne Moses: and his "honorary" Clayton family: Gary & Teresa Clayton, Earl & Alissia Hacking, Jake & Logann, Zach & Jessica Clayton, Isabella & Lucas, Trevor & Haley Layh, Nora & Sloane and lots of loving extended family; and a host of friends and brothers and sisters in the military.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A prayer service for Brian Anderson was held on Wednesday evening September 7, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at the Gregory Memorial Auditorium with Pastor Elmo Herman officiating. Music was provided by Bette Fogel, pianist, and the Java Jives singing "God Bless the Broken Road."
A memorial service was held Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gregory Memorial Auditorium with Pastor Elmo Herman officiating. Sonya Zimbelman read scripture.
Music was provided by Bette Fogel, pianist. Sara Anderson sang "Scars in Heaven." The Java Jives sang "Rescue Story."
Words of Remembrance were given by Jay Clayton, Virgil Grim, CSM Schmidt, and Royal Archer.
Teresa Clayton, Alissia Hacking, Jess Clayton, and Haley Layh were in charge of registration.
Flower attendants were Maddie Fuhr, Keeley Klein, Kaydence Klein, and Kristen Jacobsen.
Urn Bearers were Kelly Wilhelmsen, Virgil Grim, John Bokker, Charlie Johnson, Jed Gassen, TJ Gassen, and CSM Schmidt.
Honorary Urn Bearers were Brian's host of friends and the brothers and sisters that he had the great honor of serving with.
Military Honors were by the National Guard Honors Team.
Inurnment was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Gregory, SD.
Arrangements by Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home, Gregory, SD.