Donald L. Anderson

Fairmont, MN
Donald Leroy Anderson, 89, of Fairmont, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on December 12, 2025, surrounded by family. A time for remembering and celebrating Don's life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont, MN. There will be a formal celebration of life service held at 12:00 p.m. with family and friends sharing memories of Don with military honors at the conclusion of the service honoring Don's service to his country. A light lunch will follow.
Don was born on February 23, 1936, in Huntington, Iowa, to Cassie and Mabel Anderson of Swea City, Iowa. He graduated from Grant Township Consolidated High School in 1954, and then served in the Army in Baumholder Germany for two years. When he moved to Fairmont, MN, he joined the National Guard and eventually served as Company Commander and retired as a Captain after 20 years of service.
Don began his civilian career working at 3M. He then went on to devote much of his life to public service and the safety of his community. He established the Fairmont Ambulance Service in 1970 and served as its Director for 27 years. He also served in the Fairmont Fire Department for 25 years. In addition to his public service, Don was the creator and owner of Fairmont Fire Systems and the Regional Manager of Captive Aire Systems until he retired. Across all of these roles, he was known for his steady leadership, strong work ethic, and friendliness to all.
Family was central to Don's life. He was married to Sue Anderson (Tett, Thoren) for 44 years, having wed on April 24, 1981. He was previously married to Mildred Engstrom with whom he had four children: Susan Wilken (Lance, deceased), Linda Ahrens (Bill), James (stillborn), and Tom Anderson (deceased). With Sue, Don helped raise Ralph Thoren (Brooke) and Robyn Thoren, embracing them all with love, care, and commitment. Through their marriage they also cared for several foster children.
Don was a proud grandfather to David Thimesch (Renee), Nicholas Thimesch, Chris Wilken (Julie), Cindy Wilken, Travis Hinrichsen (Kenda), Benjamin Hinrichsen (Angie), Tom Hinrichsen (Jen), and Dakota (Connor), Dylan (Alec), and Morgan Thoren.
He was also a cherished great-grandfather to Will (Noelle), Luke, Chelsea, Lauren, Megan, Garrett, Bradley, and Evelyn Hinrichsen, Mabel Thimesch, Cole and Kinsley Chase, and Alex and Grady Wilken.
Don was known by all as someone with genuine care, uncommon generosity, and a quirky sense of humor. He took a sincere interest in what mattered to others-their work, their families, their challenges, and their successes-and made people feel seen and valued in his presence. He showed his care through thoughtful gestures and gifts, spending quality time, and always having something positive to say about everyone he encountered.
Don's legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the institutions he helped build, the generous donations he made to the community, and the many generations of family who will carry him forward.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Martin County Historical Society at 304 E Blue Earth Ave or to the Imagine mARTin Building Project at 103 W 1st St, both in Fairmont MN 56031. Cards and condolences can be sent to Sue Anderson and Family at 601 Shoreacres Drive #102, also in Fairmont.
www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net