Gary Anderson

Gary Luther Anderson, 73, of Grygla, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by his family, on September 21, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Gary Luther Anderson was born February 19, 1952, in Thief River Falls, MN, to Luther and Evelyn (Mattison) Anderson. Gary spent his life deeply rooted in faith, family, farming and service.

Baptized on October 12, 1952, and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla on June 12, 1966, Gary's quiet faith guided his life. He attended Grygla Elementary and graduated from Goodridge High School in 1970. He earned his Master's Degree in Plant Physiology from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, after earning a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry at Bemidji State University.

Gary began his career in agronomy labs at both the University of Illinois and North Dakota State University, but his heart belonged to the land. He returned to Grygla to farm full-time, dedicating 47 years to agriculture and stewarding the family farm with pride and care.

Gary was united in marriage to MariLou (Miller) Cwikla and to this union two wonderful children were born, Garrett and Laura.

A lifelong learner, Gary was fascinated by history and aspired to live with the integrity and curiosity of his heroes-Benjamin Franklin, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. He found joy in traveling, reading, and maintaining his yard and farmstead with meticulous attention. He could be described as honest, intelligent, respectful and as a listener.

Gary's commitment to service was unwavering. He served on the Grygla School Board for 18 years and the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) for 5 years. He was a member of the Farmers Union Oil Company board for 18 years and the Minnesota Wheat Growers Association, where he served as president for 3 years. In 1984, he was honored as Minnesota's Outstanding Young Farmer and named Marshall County King Agassiz for 1984–85. He was also active in Jaycees/Lions and a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church.

In 2008, Gary met Anne McCabe and together they enjoyed companionship and traveling to many parts of the country.

Gary is survived by his son Garrett (Amanda) Anderson of Bemidji, MN; daughter Laura (Jeff) Stengrim of Thief River Falls, MN; partner Anne McCabe; grandchildren Gweneth (Kadin Grindeland) Stengrim, Devon Anderson, Everett Anderson, Miller Stengrim, and Morrison Stengrim; siblings Lyle (Joni) Anderson of Grygla, MN and Georgia Anderson of St. Paul, MN; many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved cat, Bella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Evelyn Anderson of Grygla, MN, nephew, Christopher Bergerson, and several cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gary's legacy lives on in the fields he tended, the lives he touched, and the values he upheld. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also begin at 10:00 AM with the service to celebrate Gary's life at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla, MN with Rev. Vicki Saude-Worthington officiating. Burial will be at St. Petri Cemetery, rural Grygla, MN following a time of lunch and fellowship.

Memorial donations in Gary Anderson's name are suggested to the Pennington County Humane Society.